Adding Real-life Legends to New Adventures in the Old West

~ by Jacqui Nelson

Whenever I thought of legendary lawmen like Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp, my thoughts were full of daring deeds such as gunfights to uphold the law. But it was the revelation that Masterson was reported to have a wicked sense of humor that prompted me to include him in my novel, Between Love & Lies (Book 1 in the Gambling Hearts series).

It helped of course that my story was set in Dodge City (the Sin City of the 1870s) at a time when, if my hero Noah Ballantyne broke the law in Dodge, he’d definitely be meeting Bat Masterson…for better or worse.

Here’s what happens when Noah meets Bat Masterson in the Northern Star Saloon where there’s just been a deadly shootout…

Masterson tugged the brim of his hat. His eyes crinkled at their corners as he returned Madam Garrett’s smile. “Pleasure’s all mine. Unfortunately this ain’t a social call.” The lawman’s face shuttered as he surveyed the other occupants of the room. His gaze lingered on Sadie’s prone form before coming to rest on Noah. “Heard tell a man got killed tonight.”

Noah had never been on the wrong side of the law before. He regretted that he’d ended a life, but if he had to do it all over again, he’d still pull the trigger. He’d save Sadie.

“By all accounts, the deceased was a cheat ’n abuser of one of our lady folk. However…” Masterson’s gaze narrowed, but his hands had yet to go anywhere near the pair of Colt revolvers resting in their silver-studded holsters. “Doling out punishment in Dodge is my business. So you’ll have to come with me. We need to discuss you…getting between me ’n my business.”

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Jacqui Nelson writes historical romance adventures set in the American West. Her stories include an Oregon Trail scout, an ex-Rebel spy turned government rabble rouser and a Dodge City cardsharp gambling with love and death. Those are her heroines. Wait till you meet her heroes! Her love for the Old West came from watching classic Western movies while growing up on a cattle farm.

Visit her website at www.JacquiNelson.com & connect with her on Facebook, Twitter & Goodreads

Jacqui’s books can be found on the Pioneer Hearts Book store by clicking here.

Between Love & Lies (Book 1 of the Gambling Hearts Series) can also be found on Amazon.

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