Cowboys and Kisses – Audiobook
$8.99
Written by Karin Kallmaker. Narrated by Ann Shanks Etter. This discount-priced purchase enables a choice of downloads: 1) a zip file that contains all MP3 tracks or 2) a single, chaptered M4B format file used by Apple-based and many other audiobook listening apps. Either way, the files are permanently yours.
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The Story...
Run time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Listen to a Sample
AUDIO SAMPLE BEGINS . . .
It was supper and I should have gone down to partake. I was hungry but didn’t feel it.
Jinny had escaped, I reminded myself. I watched Greta’s chest struggle to rise for every breath and didn’t want to acknowledge the truth: for every Jinny there were a hundred Gretas in this house. In other towns, there were more Gretas, Millas, and Darlin’s.
Cherry’s authoritative rap on the door brought me out of grim, dark thoughts.
“Leave her. You can’t help.” Once again, Cherry stayed outside in the hall.
“I think she’s dying. She shouldn’t be alone.”
“You can’t change it. She’ll survive or she won’t.”
Cherry was much older than I was, true, but I felt as if I’d learned something she had not. “Either way, how these hours pass matter.”
“You sound like the preacher’s been at you.” Cherry frowned and I could see her adding up the money Greta had cost, wasn’t making tonight and what it appeared I would not make tonight either. “His way is of no use to you.”
“No preacher could understand what I mean. Or what she’s going through.”
Her expression softened only slightly. “That is a true thing you’ve said. But it don’t change the fact that you need to get downstairs.”
A one-way stage ticket to the frontier leaves a young woman penniless and alone in Long Grass, Wyoming. With no other hope than to survive another day, she takes up the only profession open to her. Years later she encounters the cowboy she can love, and her first taste of pleasure - and happiness.
Cowboys, however, are born to wander, and their kisses are as brief as the lives of young women without family or means. Accepting that her days will be numbered too few, Darlin' escapes into her scribblings where her dreams of freedom can soar over the limitless prairie.
When she recognizes her own truth and a chance for love in the longing gaze of a townswoman, will she finally find kisses she can trust?
Two determined women in a hostile world save themselves — and each other — in a lyric, sensual love story as only Karin Kallmaker can tell.
What People are Saying:
- Harsh Realities Carried Gently in Sensuous Prose – Cowboy and KissesLimited and often harsh options of unattached women were starkly depicted but carried gently in an almost sensuous prose…
- Cowboys and Kisses Voted Historical Romance of the Year!I Heart SapphFic readers have voted Cowboys and Kisses the historical romance of the year!
- Cowboys and Kisses Audio at The Lesbian ReviewThe emotions flowed through the narration as clearly as if Etter was the girl telling me her story.
- A Gift of Romance and Evolution – Cowboy and KissesOverall, I really enjoyed the read, so much so that the epilogue brought a tear to my eye. It was just so cute.
- Cowboys and Kisses Audio at Lez Review BooksVery good narration for an excellent novella. 4.5 stars.
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Author's Notes
The West is probably one of the most romanticized eras in American literature and film. The love affair with wide open skies and rugged jawlines tended to leave out the survival odds, especially for women and girls. And of course mostly overlooked the realities of the indigenous people who already lived under those skies.
When I wrote the novella in 2007, the reality of how brutal and unforgiving conditions were for females without the protection of man or marriage was foremost in my mind. I considered writing two endings to the story - my first concept of a conclusion more realistic and yet triumphant in spirit, versus a true happy ever after. I decided then to stay closer to my original vision of the story.
In this updated version, which has turned into a short novel, the happy-ever-after ending finally sees the light of day. Two determined and smart women in a hostile world save themselves — and each other.
Karin Kallmaker –
The date is actually 12/23/2022. I backdated it so this entry would appear first for future visitors.
The winners have been chosen by a random number generator. You’ll all get an email from “StoreSprite” @kallmaker.com to the address you used to comment. If you don’t see the email, please check your spam folder!
Maggie
Carolyn
June
Shai
Lorraine R.
Congratulations!
Karin Kallmaker –
Thanks for dropping by! This is the right place to enter the drawing for a Cowboys and Kisses Audible USA or UK download code! All you have to do is comment with the way you usually enjoy an audiobook.
For me, it’s driving. Words can be a welcome relief from music or simply the hum of the road. I set the cruise control and enjoy!
This picture is a snap from the old Perry Mason show. Them coppers are chasing Della! Seriously, they need a nice cozy audiobook to help them chill, don’t you think?
Kristin Charles –
I enjoyed audio also while driving, and while cleaning.
Karin Kallmaker –
I tried for cleaning but then my wife wants to talk to me and I’m like, “What? I’m busy here…” and she’d be all, “Where’s the Windex?” and I gave it up. We do sometimes listen together while working on a jigsaw puzzle.
Katherine –
I’m active so I enjoy an audio book when I run, walk, do chores, and play mindless computer games.
Karin Kallmaker –
Excellent! I tried listening to one on a walk and after a bit I realized I was so focused on the story that I’d stopped walking. So it was back to very loud music.
Mercedes –
Those guys need an audio book almost as badly as I do! 😂
Karin Kallmaker –
I crack up every time I see this picture. The same hard straight line of their lips. The same scowls. And the HATS.
Maggie –
I am just getting into audiobooks and now have a few. I like them for when my eyes are tired or I’m not feeling well, and I can just sit or lie down and listen.
Karin Kallmaker –
They are wonderful when I’m not feeling well too. So far, if I doze off, I sort of remember the last thing I heard. Sort of.
Dor Howard –
I love listening to audiobooks through my headphones so only I get to hear the saucy bits 😊
Karin Kallmaker –
Indeed. It’s very discreet. 🙂
Sarah –
I am mostly bedbound and so I like to raise my hosp bed a little and snuggle down under the covers (in winter) and close my eyes. Then just listen and enjoy the story 🙂
Karin Kallmaker –
That sounds like a great way to enjoy them!
Carolyn –
My wife and I have already purchased the book but I’d love to have the audio book (US code) as well.
Karin Kallmaker –
Fingers crossed your number comes up!
Lyn Denison –
We began listening to audiobooks on long road trips but we decided to try one on an evening when the shows on television were woeful. Now we often have an ‘audio’ evening. It’s quite restful.
June –
I love to listen while driving but also while working in the yard or cutting glass in my shop.
Karin Kallmaker –
I’ve been stymied by phones no longer having headphone jacks. I’ve yet to find a single pair of bluetooth earbuds that will stay in if I move. What’s your secret?
Erin Saluta –
I was chuckling at the thought of the coppers above listening to an audiobook that was narrated in the way they used to speak in the shows and movies!
My job requires that I drive a lot and having books available to listen to definitely make the day go by quicker.
Karin Kallmaker –
It does make boring stretches of road fly by!
Shai –
I love listening to my audiobooks driving, road trips etc. I also listen when doing those mundane chores that don’t require concentration! (UK)
Karin Kallmaker –
My wife and I pick a book for our road trips that relates to where we’re headed, and then bring along other choices too.
Cece –
I always listen to audiobooks while driving and working out.😊
Karin Kallmaker –
Good for you!
Penny Mabie –
I’m an ardent fly fisher and drive, a lot, to get to fishy places. Last year I did a cross country fly fishing trip from WA to NH and back. Podcasts and e-books keep me company while driving so I don’t get antsy.
Karin Kallmaker –
That sounds like a great reason for a road trip!
Lorraine Rusnack –
I always listen when I’m driving and sometimes in bed. I
Karin Kallmaker –
I’d be afraid of waking up with an ear bud wedged into my ear!
Lynn Heilesen –
The favorite way to enjoy audiobooks is listening to them in our Jeep. My wife and I love the acoustics and will get our ” dinner and a book” instead of dinner and movie for spending quality time together.
Karin Kallmaker –
That sounds lovely!
Natalia –
I started with audiobooks when I had my first baby. I’ve always loved reading but when I had Alejandra it was impossible to have any time for reading. Yet I spent so many hours awake at night! So during those endless nights I would have an earphone on and have some nice narrator voice read the books to me! 😊
Karin Kallmaker –
That’s fabulous! I wish we’d had them so conveniently when my kids were babies.