Lone Star Joy by Kathleen Ball

Wow. First of all, what a story! Been a while since I've read a book with so many unique plot twists.


Joy... she's been in prison since she was 14, taking the rap to save her brother. She been shanked numerous times. Her very own father has sent people to kill her. She's never known love. The only love she's ever known has been for a family that wants her dead. Can you imagine the turmoil this woman goes through?

She's released on a special work program to help on a ranch, owned by Stamos. At first, Stamos wants to send her packing. He only has men on his ranch. But Joy, something about her touches him in the brief amount of time she's waylaid and in his care.

He can't bear to see her back in prison and he marries her to help her out, but he's falling for her and she's falling for him..but then his ex comes back and there's a child to consider and holy smokes, all this stuff happens. Joy is torn. The longer she stays, the worse she makes Stamos's life. He could lose his child because of her. His horses and cattle are being slaughtered as her father and brother try repeatedly to kill her. The only way out of this mess is to clear her name...but she's afraid to talk. Maybe going back to jail would be the best thing...

There's crazy waitress, the ex, the dad, the brother, some real friendly ranchhands, an evil lady intent on proving the marriage is a sham, a horse that steps in front of a bullet, a man falling in love with a woman who doesn't know how to love... and Joy: tough, hardened, and yet, melting inside.

Very strong woman. The crap she faces is unbelievable and yet she stands tall and proud to live and tell about it. I loved how this book showed us so many sides to her personality. The woman who must survive, the mother she longs to be, and how she experiences relationships outside of prison for the first time. I was very easily able to understand what she was feeling.

Quibbles: Stamos seemed bipolar at times. One second he's yelling at Joy in the barn, the next he's wanting to have sex with her. Joy had her moments, but she had a darn good reason for being the way she was. Stamos confused me at times. There were some tiny things I scratched my head over, like them getting married the very next morning (Pretty sure Texas has a three-day wait) but I figure they got a special case.

I must say though, Ms. Ball's ability to weave a tale and throw a reader for a loop (surprise us) is superb.

Four bikes. I bought this on Amazon.

GIVEAWAY & Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week: Joy Courtland

Book: Lone Star Joy
Author: Kathleen Ball
Heroine: Joy Courtland

In my latest release, Lone Star Joy, my character Joy Courtland amazes me. When she was fourteen her father and brother talked her into taking the fall for the death of her step-mother. They convinced her to put her fingerprints on the knife and to put her footsteps in the blood, leaving a trail to her room. They made her believe that she was helping her brother. He’d get the death penalty while Joy would only go to juvie.

Joy loved her brother, and made the sacrifice for him. Unfortunately, she was tried, and convicted as an adult, and she was immediately sent to prison. She quickly learned the rules, keep your back to the wall, keep your mouth shut, and make sure you have eyes in the back of your head. She fought off numerous attacks.

After eight years, she finally got a break and was sent to a work release program working with horses. Unfortunately, the program only allowed nonviolent males.

Joy’s hard exterior hides a very insecure young woman that had to grow up too soon.  She had to harden her heart, and wall off all feelings. Her greatest strength is her willingness to love and be loved. To her it is the biggest risk she had ever taken. She finds that her scars are sexy and considered badges of survival.

Excerpt:

                "Shhh. Don't talk." Stamos captured her mouth with his in a bold, passion filled kiss.

Joy opened her mouth to him. His warm tongue darted in and out of her mouth, making her feel a sense of excitement. Matching her tongue to his, she heard him moan. Stamos trailed kisses down her neck, causing her to shiver. She gasped as one hand made its way under her tee shirt and she froze, capturing his hand with hers.

"Don't. You already know how ugly my chest is," she pleaded as her eyelashes became spiked with tears.

Stamos stayed perfectly still, looking at her. "Oh, Joy, there is not one single part of you that is ugly."

"But my scars."

"Battle scars. You survived each knife wound. It's a blessing, Joy."

Taking a shaky breath, Joy nodded and let go of his hand. It surprised her that he didn't pull off her top. Stamos started kissing her again, stoking her passion.

Before she knew it, her top and bra were off. Looking at his face as he gazed at her chest floored her. The look of appreciation on his face was unsettling. It also made her feel beautiful for the first time in years.

Blurb:
Sexy, Cowboy, Stamos Walker runs a work release program for nonviolent male prisoners. When Joy Courtland shows up on his doorstep, he assumes she's the nanny. He hands her his son and rushes out to work.

Joy, a convicted felon, bonds with little Dillon immediately. Stamos isn't happy when he returns and finds out Joy is not the nanny.

While trying to get Joy back to prison through the proper channels, Stamos realizes Joy is not a killer. He doesn't want her to go back to prison. Stamos is willing to try everything he can to keep Joy safe even if it means marriage.

Buy here

Mrs. Ball is giving away an ebook of Lone Star Joy so you can find out just how strong and sexy Joy is for yourself. Just leave a comment on this post.  Author will choose winner at the end of the day. Be sure to leave your email addy.

Are you an author with a strong heroine in your book? Want to see her featured? Find out how here.