There will be NO MONTHLY MEETING IN JULY. Instead we're hosting our first ORA Writers' Retreat July 8-10. Contact ozarksromanceauthors.com to join us for part or all of the weekend. Writing time, critiques and fun getting to know fellow authors--don't miss out!
February Meeting
2016 Mega Critique Group and Write-In
Monthly Meeting–Saturday, February 7, 2015 Ben Reeder will share “Navigating the Amazon: Finding Success on the Digital River”
Monthly Meeting–Saturday, February 7, 2015 Ben Reeder will share “Navigating the Amazon: Finding Success on the Digital River”
The world of publishing has changed radically in the past few years. What was once the realm of the Big Six has now become a wide open frontier. Authors have become the new pioneers in the world of self-publishing, making themselves a power to be reckoned with. But like any newly discovered part of the world, there are pitfalls and dangers along with the potential rewards. Self-published author Ben Reeder will be sharing his experiences in this new frontier, talking about what worked for him, what didn’t and what to avoid in publishing. Topics covered include gaining visibility for your work, the role of author as publisher and protecting yourself from scams.
Bio:
Ben Reeder has self-published four novels in the zombie and paranormal genres, two of which have made the top 100 in three genres. A naturalized Missourian, he has called Springfield home for 25 years. Any resemblance to Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise is entirely unintended, and he vehemently denies being a superhero.
ORA meets in the Frisco Room at The Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, MO at 1 p.m.
Join our critique group from 10 a.m. to Noon. Want your work reviewed by talented writers and published authors? Bring twenty copies of up to five pages of your work to share for critique or just listen and offer advice.
Mega Critique and Write-In--Saturday, January 3, 2015
Mega Critique and Write-In--Saturday, January 3, 2015 Instead of our monthly meeting, ORA and Sleuths' Ink will be co-hosting our 4th annual Mega Critique and Write-In! You DO NOT need to be a member of either writers’ group to attend. Writers of all genres are welcome.
Check out the 2015 Write-in Flyer then click here for more information and to register.
Monthly Meeting–Saturday, November 1, 2014 Lori Copeland will share “I Meant To Tell You That”
Monthly Meeting–Saturday, November 1, 2014 Lori Copeland will share “I Meant To Tell You That”
We are delighted to present novelist Lori Copeland!
Lori will share “I Meant To Tell You That” with Ozarks Romance Authors, a group that she helped launch in 1987. Her interactive presentation will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2014, at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri. Lori is the author of more than 100 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books’ Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.
Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market.
We’ll be in the Frisco Room at The Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, MO at 1 p.m.
Join our critique group from 10 a.m. to Noon. Want your work reviewed by talented writers and published authors? Bring twenty copies of up to five pages of your work to share for critique or just listen and offer advice.
Monthly Meeting–Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 Ellen and Jeremy Pollreisz of PixelTwister Studio to Speak on The Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Book Trailers
Monthly Meeting–Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 Ellen and Jeremy Pollreisz of PixelTwister Studio to Speak on The Basic Do’s and Don’ts of Book Trailers
Ellen and Jeremy Pollreisz of PixelTwister Studio will discuss the essential principles behind what makes a good book trailer. It will be a lively presentation with videos and lots of energy. “Ask us questions and at the end of the program we’ll announce an exciting opportunity.”
We’re a team made up of author and trained character animator. Together, word motion is our passion making book trailers a natural fit.
Jeremy Pollreisz is the Creative Director, specializing in videos that use dynamic typography. His creative energy is like Old Faithful on constant burst. He needs to share.
Ellen Pollreisz is an author whose mission is to help readers challenge the absolutes they carry around. She’s also obsessed with the process. “Screw results. Show me how you got there.” Which makes her the perfect partner in creating book trailers. Think details.
We believe everyone has a story to tell. What’s popular changes, but personal truth and passion is always en vogue.
We make stories come alive.
We’ll be in the Frisco Room at The Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, MO at 1 p.m.
Join our critique group from 10 a.m. to Noon. Want your work reviewed by talented writers and published authors? Bring twenty copies of up to five pages of your work to share for critique or just listen and offer advice.
Join us for Authors at Art Walk--Friday, August 1, 2014
Authors at Art Walk--Friday, August 1, 2014
Join authors Ellen Harger, Wanda Fittro, Allison Merritt, Beth Carter August 1 at Arts and Letters Gallery at 214 S. Campbell Ave Springfield, MO during First Friday Art Walk! Meet the authors and have your books signed!
Monthly Meeting--Saturday, August 2, 2014: Insights and Tips on Writing Your First Novel from Author Mara W. Cohen
Monthly Meeting--Saturday, August 2, 2014
The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p.m.
Author Mara W. Cohen will give us insight and tips on writing your first novel at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2014, at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri.
Mara teaches in the English Department at Missouri State University.
With degrees from both Columbia University (NYC) and Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA), she is working on her doctorate at The Spertus Institute of Jewish Leadership and Learning in Chicago.
In addition to writing historical fiction about the Jews of Greece, she the co-director of the Telling Traditions Project, which has a mission to preserve the history of the Jews of the Ozarks and does research on American haggadot.
Along with this first novel, her first documentary "Home, Community, Tradition:The Women of Temple Israel," about the Jewish women of Springfield, MO, is available from the project.
Very concerned about preserving Jewish history, Ms. Cohen has just completed, with M. Rachel Gholson, "Jews of Springfield in the Ozarks" published by Arcadia Press.
A world traveler, she loves meeting her fans, so consider inviting her to your community.
FIND MARA W. COHEN ONLINE:
http://
Join Us Saturday, June 7 as Ashli O'Connell Presents Marketing for Authors & Building a Fan Base Via Social Media
Monthly Meeting--Saturday, June 7, 2014
The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p.m.
Ashli O'Connell will speak to us about authors marketing their work and building a fan base via social media on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri.
Guests are welcome! Your first 3 visits are free.
Ashli is the Web Content Developer and Editor at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri.
She produces and edits content for Evangel's website, enrollment marketing materials, and the Evangel Undergrad Facebook and Twitter. She alaso manages the Student Digital Marketing Team
Her career has also included writing and editorial positions for The Springfield News-Leader, "Today's Pentecostal Evangel" magazine and AG Chi Alpha ministries.
Ashli earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and is about to complete a master's degree in communication.
See Ashli's work online:
http://www.evangel.edu/
https://www.facebook.com/
ABOUT ASHLI O'CONNELL:
http://web.evangel.edu/
Join Us Saturday, May 3, 2014 As Novelist Ellen Harger Presents: "Three Secrets for Tight Dialogue."
You are invited to attend our fiction writers' group on Saturday, May 3, 2014, as novelist Ellen Harger Presents: "Three Secrets for Tight Dialogue."
We'll be in the Frisco Room at The Library Station on N. Kansas Expressway in Springfield, MO. * Critique Group from 10:00 - 11:55 a.m. * Lunch next door at Panera from noon - 1:00 p.m. * Meeting begins at 1:00 p.m.
ABOUT ELLEN HARGER: Our very own Ellen Harger Pollreisz (writing as Ellen Harger) says: I write women's fiction heavy with sass and snark – my two favorite adjectives. I’m a new stepmom, too, so I have an almost endless supply of writing fodder. I’m also a dog lover. In. Every. Sense. Of. The. Word. Oh, and Southwest Missouri is fabulous. In 2013 I became a published author, wife, and new step-mom. I’ve been a dog lover since birth. For five years I lived in Bean Town, but ever willing to try new places, I eagerly crossed the country to live in Oakland and Berkeley. There I polished and noodled my first novel, and started a few more manuscripts with the help of NaNoWriMo. The bug developed into a full-fledged condition. After eleven years away, and loving the symmetry, I returned to the Midwest to finalize "Strong Enough," set in a town based on Springfield. I've published a poem, "Guidelines," released my debut novel as an e-book, and written a second Women’s Fiction novel, “The Anonymous Blog of Mrs. Jones.” The pipeline is backed up with short stories and novels waiting their turn. Time to open up the valve.
FIND ELLEN ONLINE HERE:
Website http://www.EllenHarger.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEllenHarger
GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6979258.Ellen_Harger
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Ellen-Harger/e/B00BOUQG26/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Join us Saturday, April 5, 2014 for Mary Muse Wilson
Monthly Meeting--Saturday, April 5, 2014 The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p. m
Join us at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014, as Mary Muse Wilson presents "Discover Your Inner Muse-Powered Super Hero."
ABOUT MARY:
During the course of my decade plus career as a published author, I’ve worked with some of the best, and largest, digital-first publishers in the industry. I wrote ebooks back when you had to explain exactly what an ebook was. My first book came out in December 2002, and I haven’t looked back.
I’ve published over 50 books in the romance genre under four pen names, worked with 9 publishers (Seven of whom are still in business, which is no small feat these days!), started self-publishing, and shared my knowledge of publishing with countless writers just like you.
There is no greater time to be in the publishing industry than right now. Writers have more options and more career paths than ever before. They also face more overwhelm, more uncertainty, and more changes than ever before, too. Let me share my knowledge with you, helping you to create your perfect path to publishing.
By introducing you to your inner muse-powered super hero (he or she was there all along!), together, you and your muse can craft a career as inspired as the stories you write.
ABOUT THE PRESENTATION:
Not everyone wants to write a book, and of those who want to write one, it takes a special kind of nerve, dedication, and persistence to finish a book, and then a writer has to start on the path of publication.
Along the way well-meaning friends and family, the industry, even other authors can make a writer doubt his or her craft. However, as a writer, you have a secret ally on the road to making your writing career dreams come true--your muse.
Meet your inner muse-powered super hero and discover just how powerful your muse can be, and just how awesome your writing career can become!
VISIT MARY ONLINE:
WEBSITE: http://
YA Author Cecily White Saturday, February 1
Monthly Meeting--Saturday, February 1, 2014
The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p. m
Author Cecily white
Fiction writers and aspiring fiction writers are invited to join us at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2014, as author Cecily White presents "Developing Conflict and Finding Your Voice."
Cecily is the author of "Prophecy Girl," part of the Angel Academy series. You can find "Prophecy Girl" in book stores and at Amazon here:
Visit Cecily online:
WEBSITE: http://
You may also know her as the tireless warrior who has led the ORAcon planning committee for the last 3 years, resulting in our annual conference being a big hit each year and attracting fabulous speakers and attendees from all over the USA.
ABOUT CECILY:
Cecily White, Psy.D., makes a habit of avoiding boredom whenever possible. She has enjoyed careers as a hand model, GAP salesgirl, movie projectionist, psychotherapist, yoga instructor, university professor, artist, dance choreographer, eating disorders specialist, psych diagnostician, book reviewer and copy editor. None of which are as much fun as writing novels.
She currently lives in Springfield, MO with two FABULOUS kids and a schizophrenic yet well-mannered cat. She can swear in Klingon, take down an alien aggressor using only her mind (or a pair of chopsticks), and kill giant spiders without getting schmutz on her shirt.
When not singing to herself, she spends time creating new worlds and thinking up ways to make this one better...
Q&A with Published Author Panel
Monthly Meeting--Saturday, November 2, 2013 The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p. m.
Q&A with Published Author Panel: Ask Us Anything!
Join us at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2013, for an informal afternoon with a panel made up of several of our group's published authors. Ask them anything!We all have questions about the writing process, how to get published, how to find an agent, why a writer might choose traditional/epublishing/
OUR PANELISTS:
ALLISON MERRITT (Becky Cummings) -- Author of "The Treasure Hunter's Lady," "The Sky Pirate's Wife," The Turncoat's Temptress," all part of the Legends & Lovers series; and the short ebooks "Return" and "One Day in D.C." (Romance / Steam Punk / Epublishing / Kindle / Series / Blog Book Tours / Blogging / Online Critique Groups / Contests) http://
BETH CARTER -- Six-word memoirist and author of the children's books "Who Do You Want to Be?" and "The Missing Key" (Romance / Mystery / Children's / Marketing / Blogging / Contests) http://
CECILY WHITE -- Author of the soon-to-be-released "Angel Academy" series. (Young Adult / Paranormal / Series / Critique Groups / Contests / Conferences / Agents) http://
CINDY DAGNAN -- Author of "Hot Chocolate for Couples: Practical Ways to Sweeten Your Love Life," "Scribbles – Sketches for Stressed-Out Moms," "The Lights of Home – Scenes of Home & Heaven," "The Chocolate Side of Life," and "Who Got Peanut Butter on My Daily Planner? Organizing and Loving Your Days as a Mom." (Creative Nonfiction / Blogging / Public Speaking) http://cindydagnan.com/
KAYE CALKINS -- Author of "Deverell's Dilemma" (Historical Romance / Traditional Publishing / Agents / Critique Groups) http://
LISA WELLS -- Author of "Dibs." (Contemporary Romance / Series) http://
SARA KAY JORDAN -- Author of "Snatching Genius," "Love & Genius," Prodigy," and "I'm Ready," all part of the Moore Family series. (Romance / Series / Kindle) http://
SHIRLEY McCANN -- Author of MANY short mysteries and the book, "The Necklace." Founder of Sleuths' Ink Mystery Writers, a regional, non-profit group for writers. (Myster / Romance / Epublishing) http://
T. SUE VER STEEG (Toni Nichols) -- Author of "Secrets of the Sapphires," "Another Time, Another Place," "Click!" and "One Wild Weekend." (Romance / Paranormal / Time Travel / Epublishing) http://
Jeff Houghton
Monthly Meeting--Saturday, October 5, 2013 The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p. m.
Actor/Comedian/Writer Jeff Houghton
Actor/Comedian/Writer Jeff Houghton is scheduled to speak at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2013, in the Frisco Room at The Library Station in Springfield, Missouri.
Houghton will share his experiences in taking a leap of faith to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and the unexpected turns that led to creating the popular local show, "The Mystery Hour."
ABOUT JEFF HOUGHTON:
Jeff Houghton is a dynamic actor, writer, comedian, and host, based in Springfield, MO. Jeff was raised in Iowa City, IA. Soon after college, Jeff moved to New York City to work for the Late Show with David Letterman appearing in numerous sketches for the show. After that, Jeff began performing for Young Life camps. From there, Jeff moved to Springfield, Missouri chasing love, only to catch her and join the award winning Skinny Improv Mainstage Cast. Performing twice every weekend at the Skinny Improv Comedy Theatre, along with countless traveling shows across the country for seven years, Jeff is no stranger to the improv stage. In 2011, Jeff moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full time. After an amazing experience working in TV, film, and comedy, Jeff has now moved back to Springfield.
In 2006, Jeff began The Mystery Hour, a late night talk show performed live in the Skinny Improv Comedy Theatre that would last over five years. Acknowledging the work Jeff put in writing and hosting the sold out show, 417 Magazine named Jeff “Entertainer of the Year” in 2009. In 2010, he was named 40 under 40 for Springfield Business Journal.
Jeff has been in numerous commercials and films. He was three times nominated for Best Male Actor for the SATO-48 Film Challenge., and was named an Actor of the Year for 2011 in TAG Magazine.
Jeff is also a freelance writer, writing for Fair City News, a satirical newspaper, and for international aid organization, Convoy of Hope, as well as a monthly featured article in 417 Magazine. He also has a daily blog on his acting experiences.
Jeff has performed stand up across the country, and was selected as Bright New Faces Comedian in Washington D.C. Recently, he has performed at the legendary Comedy Store in Los Angeles.
Visit Jeff online at: http://
On Twitter: @themysteryhour
On Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/
Getting Serious About Writing a Series
Monthly Meeting–Saturday, April 6, 2013 The Frisco Room at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO
Critique group at 10:00 a. m. followed by lunch at Panera and our speaker at 1:00 p. m.
Author Lisa Wells to present “Getting Serious About Writing a Series: An Introduction”
Our very own Lisa Wells is presenting an introduction to her popular online course, Getting Serious About Writing a Series.
Learn the “musts” of writing a series.
Lisa Wells is a 22-year veteran educator. For the past 16 years, she has enjoyed a rollercoaster journey called: The School Counselor – Dramas, Dreams, and Destinies. Add the theme song to “Jaws,” and you have the feel for this fun ride.
Author of “Dibs,” a sexy romance nominated as Debut Book That Rocks and Best Book of The Year, Lisa believes writers should never quit studying their craft. When she decided to write a series and couldn’t find affordable material that taught the nuances of writing series vs. stand alone books, she designed her own how-to class. Self-appointed number one fan of Margie Lawson, she was thrilled to be given the opportunity to unveil her class at Lawson Writer’s Academy.
Twitter @lisawells1
http://
More information about the online course is available here: http://
We are scheduled to be in the Frisco Room at The Library Station this month. This is one of the meeting rooms along the front of the building, facing the big glass windows. (NOTE: If you peek into the Frisco Room and nobody looks familiar, it means we got bumped at the last minute and you’ll need to check Facebook and/or ask a library employee to see where they have moved us.)
ABOUT OZARKS ROMANCE AUTHORS:
Ozarks Romance Authors was founded in 1987. The regional writers’ group holds its meetings the first Saturday of each month (usually at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway) in Springfield, Missouri.
Originally a group for writers of romance fiction, we are now considered a multi-genre group, with members writing all types of fiction and nonfiction.
Join us for critique group at 10:00 a.m., lunch at Panera at noon, and a speaker at 1:00 p.m.
We are a registered nonprofit in the state of Missouri, and we are a member of the Springfield Regional Arts Council.
Visitors are welcome! Your first 3 visits are free. Annual dues are $25.
If you have questions about the group, please email us at OzarksRomanceAuthors@gmail
For a complete list of guest speakers and topics, visit https://www.facebook.com/
February 2, 2013 Monthly Meeting Speaker Tish Beaty, Editor of "Fifty Shades of Grey
Tish Beaty is making a name for herself not only as an author, but as an editor of "Fifty Shades of Grey."
She is represented by Louise Fury, who spoke at Ozarks Romance Authors' 2011 conference. She is a contributor to the book "Fifty Writers on Fifty Shades of Grey."
Join us at The Library Station (2535 North Kansas Expressway) in Springfield, Missouri, to hear about the phenomenon of "Fifty Shades of Grey" from someone who was there when it all began.
What can we learn from the success of this book that began as fan fiction and grew to become a best-seller? Visit Tish online at: http://www.TishBeaty.com/ https://www.facebook.com/beaty.graham.infopage?ref=ts&fref=ts
Ozarks Romance Authors was founded in 1987. The regional writers’ group holds its meetings the first Saturday of each month (usually at The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway) in Springfield, Missouri. Originally a group for writers of romance fiction, we are now considered a multi-genre group, with members writing all types of fiction and nonfiction. Join us for critique group at 10:00 a.m., lunch at Panera at noon, and a speaker at 1:00 p.m. We are a registered nonprofit in the state of Missouri, and we are a member of the Springfield Regional Arts Council.
Visitors are welcome! Your first 3 visits are free. Annual dues are $25. If you have questions about the group, please email us at OzarksRomanceAuthors@gmail.com, or call (417) 597-4716.
ORACON 2013 - Save The Date
Save The Date
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Ozarks Romance Authors Annual Conference
Springfield, MO
Workshops - Pitch Sessions - Speakers - Headshots - Networking - Fun
We're putting together a fantastic lineup of speakers. Stay tuned for more details!
Hometown of Ozarks Romance Authors Voted 3rd-Most Romantic City in USA by Amazon.com
Springfield, Missouri -- where Ozarks Romance Authors is based -- was just ranked by Amazon.com as the third-most romantic city in the USA!
Our local newspaper, the Springfield News-Leader, called to interview ORA President Jill Slack to see what we think of this honor. Jill is quoted in a story on the front page of the Saturday, February 11, 2012 edition.
We saved a screenshot of the story to share with you.
Click here to open the PDF and read: SNL ORA quote 3rd Most Romantic City 2-11-2012
What did Jill have to say?
Jill Slack, president of Ozarks Romance Authors, said she thinks the rating isn’t necessarily because Springfield is a romantic place all on its own.
“I think it’s more that it’s the people,” Slack said. “It’s more of a traditional area.”
Slack also said there are quite a few writers in the Ozarks, which might be why romance book sales are higher — purchased for inspiration.
“When you’re a writer, you’re also a voracious reader,” Slack said.
Here is a link to a press release from Amazon.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110208005991/en/Amazon.com-Announces-Top-20-Romantic-Cities-America
Excerpt from the original press release:
SEATTLE--Love is in the air. Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced its list of the Top 20 Most Romantic Cities in America. After compiling sales data of romance novels and relationship books (Kindle Books and print books), romantic comedy movies (digital movies and DVDs), Barry White albums (CDs and MP3s), along with sexual wellness products, since Jan. 1, 2011, on a per capita basis in cities with over 100,000 residents, the Top 20 most romantic cities in the U.S. are:
Amazon.com’s Top 20 romantic cities 1. Knoxville, Tenn. 2. Alexandria, Va. 3. Springfield, Mo. 4. Orlando, Fla. 5. Cincinnati, Ohio 6. Vancouver, Wash. 7. Miami, Fla. 8. Murfreesboro, Tenn. 9. Dayton, Ohio 10. Columbia, S.C. 11. Pittsburgh, Penn. 12. Clearwater, Fla. 13. St. Louis 14. Erie, Pa. 15. Clarksville, Tenn. 16. Everett, Wash. 17. Gainesville, Fla. 18. Las Vegas, Nev. 19. Rochester, N.Y. 20. Tallahassee, Fla.
It's Release Day for "The Treasuer Hunter's Lady" by ORA Vice President Allison Merritt!
Congratulations to our very own Allison Merritt on today's release of "The Treasuer Hunter's Lady"!
Allison shared her excited on her blog. Are you following her blog? You really should. She's a hoot! Click HERE to see today's post about "Release Day."
While you're at it, "like" her on Facebook by clicking HERE, and follow her on Twitter by clicking HERE.
Want to read the first chapter absolutely free? Click HERE.
We're so proud of her! Let's take a look at the book's blurb, shall we?
On the outside, Romy Farrington has the perfect life—a world-famous archaeologist father and upcoming marriage to a wealthy businessman. But to Romy, her new life among the elitists is like a punishment.
For years, she traveled the world at her father's side, exploring new lands and uncovering ancient secrets. It was everything she ever wanted, until a near-fatal encounter with hostile natives forced her and her father into a life of retirement in Boston and an undesired advance into proper society.
Everything changes again when she's saved from an accident by a brash Texan in a back alley. Abel Courte may act like a care-free cowboy, but he's harboring a secret—he's searching for the Diamond of Uktena, a legendary jewel that can cure any disease known to man. He needs information Romy's father has in order to get to the jewel. When he traces the origin of the Diamond to Dakota Territory, he sets off to claim the treasure, only to find the archaeologist's fiery redheaded daughter stuck to him like a bug in sap.
In a race against time, Romy and Abel must learn to trust each other as they undertake a cross-country journey that will expose them to lands uncharted by white men, a deadly battle against the fearsome creature in possession of the Diamond and a fight to return to civilization where they might make the greatest discovery of all—love.