E.E. Burke's Best of the West: My new release Lawless Hearts ends the Steam! series with a bang!

Now on Amazon

The Pinkerton & the Outlaw

In my new release, Lawless Hearts, a female Pinkerton detective and an Irish-Cherokee outlaw work together to find a missing agent and become entangled in a net of corruption, crime...and murder. It’s a tale of daring deception, pulse-pounding suspense, and sizzling romance, all in a Western setting that is as authentic as it is wild. 

The entire series is rooted in historical events that follow the expansion of the railroad across the American West and features numerous secondary characters from the pages of history. For my heroine, I took inspiration from the history of the Pinkerton Agency and the country’s first female detective.

A woman who made history

In 1856, a young 20-something woman named Kate Warne answered an advertisement for detectives posted by Allan Pinkerton to fill his fledgling agency. According to Pinkerton’s records, she convinced its progressive founder that women could be “most useful in worming out secrets in many places which would be impossible for a male detective.” Her arguments and determination impressed Pinkerton and he hired her over the objection of his brother Robert, who was also a partner in the business. Thus Warne became the first female private detective in the United States. 

Warne was an excellent private investigator and acted undercover, infiltrating social gatherings and events. During the Civil War, she was instrumental in saving Lincoln from the first assassination attempt. She wore disguises and changed her accent at will and became a huge asset for the agency. Later, Pinkerton hired other females and appointed Warne as Supervisor of Female Detectives. 

Two opposites defy historical norms

In Lawless Hearts, Brigit Stevens is modeled after the young female detectives mentored by Kate Warne. These were women who defied cultural norms and broke down societal barriers. In that sense, they were truly “lawless” in their pursuit of justice. 

The outlaw Brigit chooses as a temporary partner is one of my favorite characters in this series. Over the course of three books, readers have seen him evolve into a complex, contradictory character whose conscience undergoes intense reconstruction. He isn’t the devil presented on the Wanted posters, but he doesn’t perceive himself as a hero. In fact, he’s confused when Brigit treats him like one. But her determination to reform him inspires Jasper to consider changing his ways. 

After spending most of his life on the wrong side of the law, he takes Brigit up on her offer to join her on the right side. Unfortunately, there are some who have the law on their side and are using it for nefarious purposes, and they have Brigit and Jasper in the crosshairs.

Here's a short book trailer:

🚂

Have you read the Steam! series? Do you have a favorite character? Who is it, and why? If not, who is your favorite literary detective?

If you haven’t read the series, you can get started with Her Bodyguard for free if you sign up now for my newsletter on my website: www.eeburke.com

As a special offer, I’ll also give away a copy of Fugitive Hearts, which sets the stage for Lawless Hearts. Leave a comment below and enter the Rafflecopter. I’ll draw a winner Friday.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Halloween Special: Death Rituals in the Old West

For my novel Fugitive Hearts, I had to research the subject of death and mourning rituals during the 19th century. I found the history and superstitions fascinating and thought you might, too. Read on to find out more.

When Mourning became an industry

After Prince Albert died in 1861 and the Queen of England set a new standard for bereavement, society on both sides of the Atlantic took on mourning with a vengeance. That same year, the American Civil War began, and death on a massive scale touched communities and families north and south. Mourning became a central fact of wartime life. After the war, death continued to be ritualized. During an age when there were customs for every aspect of life, there were also elaborate rituals to observe after death—starting with what to wear.

Social decorum demanded that family members adjust their behavior and clothing for six months to a year after the death of a close relative. All clothing, even underwear and accessories like gloves and handkerchiefs, had to be black. Thus, mourning attire became a society-wide necessity. Catalogs and stores advertised them. In fact, mourning apparel became the first type of clothing to be purchased "off the rack." 

At home, a wreath of laurel, yew or boxwood tied with crepe or black ribbons hung on the front door to alert passersby that a death had occurred. Black crepe covered windows, mirrors, and pictures. Guests coming by to pay respects would be greeted by mourners and served “funeral biscuits” – small cakes wrapped in white paper sealed with black sealing wax. 

The parlor was called the “death room” when a coffin was on display. The body of the deceased was watched over every minute until burial, hence the custom of “waking.” The wake also served as a safeguard from burying someone who might not happen to be dead. 

And those weren't the most unusual rituals...

Hair Memorabilia

Jewelry and art made from the hair of loved ones became all the rage during this era when mourning was elevated to an art form. 

Everything from brooches to watch fobs to elaborate works of art was made from human hair. 

Locally, in Kansas City, Leila's hair museum features thousands of examples of this custom, which reached its zenith in the Victorian era. It's truly amazing...and more than little bizarre.  

Memento Mori

Another grim custom was photographs of the dead. 

These images were marketed as treasured mementoes. One can understand why when you consider how photography was just getting started as a business and getting photographs made was expensive. The death photo--or memento mori--might be the only image they had of their loved one. 

In many cases, the photograph was "staged" -- that is, the child is featured with living siblings and family members or with beloved dolls and toys. 

In some cases, they used elaborate systems to prop up the dead person, then painted eyes on the image to make it look as if they are still alive. 

Mourning merchandise

Less creepy, but just as strange is the industry of mourning merchandise. 

Shrewd companies sold everything from buttons to pins that were used during the official mourning period. Everything had to be black and couldn't be shiny (until later in the mourning period)

In fact, mourning became such a big money-maker, people went into the business of becoming "professional mourners." 

I guess if your acting career didn't take off on the stage, you could always show up at funerals.

Tear Catchers

Made popular during the Civil War, this item was generally worn on a chain. 

Lachrymatories (as they were called) were usually made from decorative glass vials about an inch or two long with a stopper at one end. 

A woman whose beau or husband was off at war would "store" her tears in it.  If he returned, she could empty it. If he didn't, she would display it as a demonstration of her continued devotion.

Coffin Alarms

Another curious and widespread concern in the nineteenth century was the fear of being buried alive. Even Mary Todd Lincoln, a relatively well-to-do, well-educated woman, shared in her final instructions: "I desire that my body shall remain for two days with the lid not screwed down.'"

The fear of a loved one being buried alive inspired coffin makers to design warning systems such as a bell on the grave which was connected by a chain to the inside of the coffin in cases of premature burial. Thus the expression: “Saved by the bell.”

You'll find some of these customs featured in my book Fugitive Hearts, Book 4 in the series, Steam! Romance and Rails

Is she a grieving widow or a heartless killer?

Everyone in Parsons, Kansas, considers hotel owner Claire Daines a respectable, decent woman. Until she shocks the entire town when she rushes into a saloon in her nightclothes to confess to an inebriated lawman. “Sheriff, I shot my husband.”

Is it an accident, as she claims? Or is it murder? As Sheriff Frank Garrity unravels the widow’s subterfuge, the truth will challenge his notions about law and justice and force him to make a choice between desire and duty. 

This passionate Western romance follows a suspenseful chase along the historic Katy Railway, where a skeptical lawman learns an unexpected truth and a lesson about love.

Start reading Fugitive Hearts today!

MORE ABOUT  STEAM! ROMANCE AND RAILS

Sign up for my newsletter and get started on the series FREE. New subscribers receive a copy of Her Bodyguard, Book 1.  

Sign me up for my FREE book.

E.E.'s 10th Anniversary Celebration: PIcking Up Steam!

Ten years ago, I officially entered the world of romance writing when I submitted a manuscript to the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart contest. To my utter amazement and delight, I made the finals in November, 2010. That moment gave me the impetus and encouragement I needed to send me down a path to becoming a published author. 

This month, I’m celebrating with a special focus on my original
romance series, Steam! Romance and Rails. It all started with an idea and a friendship with two other 2010 Golden Heart finalists, Jacqui Nelson and Jennifer Jakes. I had been working on a railroad romance, and we were all ardent fans of the series Hell On Wheels. I proposed a joint effort, which we turned into three love stories woven together around a common historical event–a gritty, glamorous railroad race.

The anthology Passion’s Prize launched the series with Adella’s Enemy by Jacqui Nelson, Eden’s Sin by Jennifer Jakes and Kate’s Outlaw by yours truly. You can still pick up each of the novellas originally featured in this anthology. I’ll go into more detail on the historical underpinnings of the series in my next blog post. In the meantime, here is an interview I did shortly after publishing the first full-length novel of the series, Her Bodyguard.

What made you combine romance and rails?

That’s a good question. I guess something about the old steam railroads calls to my adventurous side, and to my romantic nature. But more specifically, when I touring a museum in Fort Scott, Kansas, a few years ago, I came across a small booklet about a railroad race. It had all the makings of an epic: crooked politics, underhanded landlords, angry mobs, liars, cheats, killers…I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting for a great love story. 

Tell us a little about the series.

The first books in the series are set against the background of a contentious construction race through southeastern Kansas between two powerful railroads with long names. The government promised the winning line free land grants and exclusive rights through this corridor into cattle-rich Texas so you can imagine how they pulled out all the stops and no one was above cheating. 

Her Bodyguard, revolves around the story of the Border Tier. While its crews were trying to win a race, the railroad was feuding with settlers over land rights. That’s really the focus of my book. The heroine, Amy Langford, is a wealthy widow who’s invested heavily in the railroad and is looking for ways to appease the settlers so they’ll stop vandalizing the tracks. Only, someone is out to kill her. The hero, Buck O’Connor, is an outlaw who comes out of hiding to help his cousin avoid financial ruin. Through a twist of fate, he ends up being Amy’s bodyguard. He uses his position to thwart her railroad and help his cousin, while at the same time trying to protect her. You can see that isn’t going to work. But it takes Buck awhile to recognize this. He’s pretty sure of himself.

How much of the story is based in fact?

Quite a bit, actually! Honestly, I couldn’t come up with better scenarios than those I find in history books. The race really happened pretty much as it’s written, the settler’s riots, too. I love to use real events and include historical characters. In this case, I put two people very attracted to each other but with opposing goals in the middle of a cutthroat railroad competition and a land war. It was fun to see how they reacted.

Your books are based in the American West during the nineteenth century. Why that place, and why that era?

 I write what I love best. I’ve always been a history geek, and particularly American history. I really got fascinated with the Western expansion when I first moved to Kansas. That period of expansion had such an impact on this country, good and bad. I don’t think people realize just how much. There are so many stories that haven’t been told and I want to tell them.

I try to strike a balance between gritty realism and romance, though I suppose I do err on the side of romance, but in many ways, that Victorian era was very romantic—even in the “Wild West.”

This month, all books in the series Steam! Romance and Rails are on sale for only 99 cents each. We’ve never offered this series at such a low price, so it’s a great time to forego that mocha latte and treat yourself to stories that will keep you warm all winter!

HER BODYGUARD: A determined railroad investor stalked by a mysterious killer seeks protection from a wanted gunslinger, who is hiding a dangerous secret.

KATE’S OUTLAW: After a railroad heiress is abducted, one of her captors becomes her protector. On the run from danger with enemies on all sides, they discover a love as powerful as it is forbidden.

Originally part of the anthology Passion’s Prize. Catch up on the stories of two other women caught up in a dangerous race for riches in Adella’s Enemy by Jacqui Nelson and Eden’s Sin by Jennifer Jakes.

A DANGEROUS PASSION: An inquisitive author sets out to expose a charismatic railroad baron and becomes ensnared in a deadly mystery and a dangerous passion.

FUGITIVE HEARTS: When a newly-made widow tries to cover up the truth behind her husband’s violent death, her plan backfires, sending her fleeing from a hardened lawman determined to bring her to justice.

Who out there has read books in this series? Do you have a favorite character? Who is it, and why are you drawn to them?

I’ll be doing a drawing to give away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one commenter.

GLIAS crew, thanks for being on this journey with me!

E.E. Burke's Best of the West: A Special One-Time Offer

Travel to a place with few rules and no limits. Meet dangerous men and daring women caught up in intrigue, mayhem, even murder, as the railroads advance across America’s frontier.

HER BODYGUARD: A woman embroiled in intrigue employs a bodyguard to protect her from a killer, unaware that he’s an outlaw hired by her enemies to put a stop to her plans.

KATE'S OUTLAW: After a railroad heiress is abducted, one of her Indian captors inexplicably becomes her protector. On the run from danger, with enemies on both sides, they discover a love as powerful as it is forbidden.

A DANGEROUS PASSION: An inquisitive writer sets out to expose a corrupt railroad baron and becomes ensnared in a deadly mystery and a dangerous passion.

FUGITIVE HEARTS: When a newly made widow tries to cover up the truth behind her husband’s violent death, her plan backfires, sending her fleeing from a hardened lawman determined to bring her to justice. 

This month, I'm re-releasing my first series, Steam! Romance and Rails, as a boxed set, and for a week I'm offering it at a super low price so more people can get all four books at one time and enjoy the series from beginning to end. Well, end for now. This series isn't over yet.

If you're a fan of passionate romance woven with rich historical detail and a dash of suspense, this series is for you. 

For a short time, I'm offering the first four novels together for only $1.99. 

Only $1.99
Amazon | B&N | Apple | Kobo | Google

Amazon | B&N | Apple | Kobo | Google

Included in this special set is an updated (and expanded) version of Kate's Outlaw, which was my debut novella. 

My first published novel was Her Bodyguard. The hero in this book is remains one of my favorite characters. He's a "bad boy" with a sharp wit and more sex appeal than ought to be legal, and he nearly drives the heroine crazy before they finally get around to their happily ever after.

 Here's a scene from Her Bodyguard, Book 1:

In Her Bodyguard, the two main characters, Buck and Amy, are at a dinner party and the hostess announces they will be playing a popular Victorian game, Marriage. Participants pick names of literary or famous characters from a hat, and in those roles the men “woo” the women with the goal of being matched with a suitable mate. The losers pay forfeits, in this case, a kiss.

Amy has just become betrothed to Fletcher, a polished gentleman. But she’s fighting a fierce attraction to her rough-around-the-edges bodyguard, Buck. Although Buck is in love with Amy, he’s secretly committed to sabotage and knows she will hate him as soon as she figures out his intentions. That doesn’t stop him from wanting to prove to her that she’s engaged to the wrong man. Watch what happens when he ends up as her partner in the game.

Amy closed her eyes and reached into the hat.

Lord, make it Juliet.

Her fingers closed on a folded bit of paper. A shivering sensation danced across her skin. This had to be the one. Excited, she unfolded it, and then stared in horror at what was written.

Venus.

There was no question where this had come from. Buck. The scoundrel.

Amy closed her eyes, listening to gasps and laughter as the other women made their selections. Romeo could make a good case for marriage to Venus—if Fletcher had drawn that character.

“Line up ladies, the gentlemen have already arranged themselves.”

Lizzie pushed Amy to the front. “As our honored guest, you must be first.”

Relief swept through her when she saw Fletcher move to the front.

Grinning beneath a walrus mustache, Charlie Goodlander caught his arm. “Let’s not make this game too predictable. It takes all the fun out of it.”

“True enough,” Lizzie retorted, with a sharp look at her husband as he took first place in line. “Amy, why don’t you come back here behind me?”

As everyone rearranged, Amy heaved a sigh. This was going to be a long night. If a woman turned down a man, she went to the next and the next until she had selected the most appropriate mate for her character. The remaining men were shuffled back through.

The game wore on, women and men pairing off until only four remained. Amy curled her fingers into fists to contain her nervousness. Maggie faced Fletcher. Her friend would turn him down, of course, and move on to Buck. Dear Maggie would take Buck even if he were Hades. This would leave Fletcher the last man standing, and Amy could easily accept his suit and not forfeit the game. It couldn’t be more perfect.

Maggie clasped her hands together and spoke in a voice so soft Amy had to strain to hear. “I am Juliet. Who comes to ask for my hand in marriage?”

Fletcher stepped forward, the muscles in his face tightening. “I am Romeo.”

Giggles went up from the women who were seated around the room with their respective mates. Amy bit her lip to hold back a groan. Dear Lord, how had this happened? Could Juliet refuse Romeo? She had to, because the alternative was unthinkable.

“What do you have to offer, sir?” Maggie asked softly.

“My heart and my life.” Fletcher intoned.

Romeo didn’t sound convinced. Perhaps Juliet would turn him down solely on the basis of his being so obviously disinterested.

“Come on, Romeo, you’re not putting forth much effort for the hand of the fair Juliet.” Charlie chided. Other guests around the room chimed in, insisting Fletcher play his part.

Fletcher’s face reddened. “I would die for you, my sweet Juliet,” he blurted.

Amy held her breath, staring at her friend’s stiff back. What was she waiting for?

“I can’t think of any man who would do so much,” Maggie whispered. “I accept.”

“What?” Amy clapped her hand over her mouth a second too late.

All eyes shifted in her direction. Some glinted with amusement, others with surprise, a few reflected sympathy. Her skin felt hot and dry, as if she’d suddenly come down with a fever.

Maggie stepped forward to share a chaste kiss with Fletcher, whose face looked like Amy’s felt. His mouth froze into a tight smile as the happy couple took their seats.

She blinked in hurt disbelief. How could her friend have done such a thing? Maggie must’ve been flustered by Charlie’s goading. That was the only explanation.

Amy steeled her nerves. Best to have this over with as quickly as possible. “I’m Venus,” she snapped. “Who seeks to marry me?”

With a sly smile, Buck took her hand. He brushed the back of her gloveless fingers with his lips. Desire crackled through her, as if he were lightening and she the rod. Still holding her hand, he raised his eyes. Within the silvery depths flickered wry amusement.

Damn him. He was enjoying her discomfiture.

“Casanova, the world’s greatest lover, seeks the hand of Venus, goddess of love.” His gravelly drawl caressed the name.

Heat suffused her face. The cad. She was not a love deity and he was no Casanova, however he might fancy himself to be. By jingo, she would strip away that civilized veneer he’d put on with those clothes and reveal him as a fraud. “What can a mere mortal offer?” she replied in her most arrogant goddess voice.

Buck’s amused smile didn’t waver, but surprise flared in his eyes. What had he thought? That she would turn tail and run?

“Pleasure,” he murmured. He swept his thumb across the backs of her fingers, triggering another sizzling bolt.

She yanked her hand away. If she were to defeat him, she couldn’t let him touch her. The uncontrollable reactions were too distracting. “I already have pleasures aplenty.”

He arched a sandy eyebrow. “Not the sort you’ll find with me. I’ve spent a lifetime cultivating knowledge of a sensual nature, learning all there is to know about pleasing a woman. With me every day will bring new delights you can open, like a present.”

Gasps went up from the ladies, along with the low chuckles of men.

She blushed to her toes. Where had Buck learned about Casanova? For that matter, where had he picked up that educated elocution? He’d surprised her—again.

Against her will, her gaze moved from his broad shoulders and chest, down to narrow hips and long legs, taking a return trip north to linger on his lips. Temptation whispered sordid suggestions in her ear. What would it be like to throw propriety to the wind and lay with a man like this? To explore things she’d thought of in the dark, but wouldn’t admit to in the light. Shivering, she shook off the sensual reverie. She had no desire to do that with Buck.

Liar.

With a shaky breath, she put a hand to her stomach to still the fluttering army of insects that had taken up residence inside. “Perhaps you’ve learned a few pleasures I might find interesting, but you see, I’m already married. I can’t have two husbands.”

Buck crossed his arms over his chest, holding her gaze prisoner. “You gods don’t live by the same rules as we mere mortals. At least, the legends reveal you’re not too particular. But if you prefer, we can have a marriage of the heart without all those messy vows of faithfulness.”

Amy’s head jerked around at a loud guffaw. Lizzie smacked her husband’s arm. This conversation wasn’t going in the right direction. If Buck won, he earned a kiss. If he lost, he had to pay a forfeit. And she dearly wanted to see him pay.

“I have an eternal lover, Mars, God of war. He can satisfy my needs more than a feeble man like you.”

Buck’s lips twitched. “I may be feeble compared to your war god, but I would treat you more tenderly than that nasty-tempered fellow.”

He dropped to one knee. This brought him even with her chest. At the smoldering heat in his eyes, she feared her breasts had tumbled out of the low-cut gown.

She struggled to breathe.

He captured her hand once again. “Only a man who is expert at making love—not war—can truly appreciate your gifts and the essence of who you are.”

“Heavens, he would have had me at Casanova,” Lizzie quipped. “I think you’ve met your perfect mate, Venus.”

Shaken, Amy stepped back, taking her hand with her. She shook her head. None of this had the slightest basis in truth, no matter the seductive promise in his eyes. Buck was toying with her. Playing his part to the hilt.

“You’re a rogue, a lover of women who can’t be satisfied with just one. I’m a jealous goddess and I won’t abide your unfaithfulness, even if I’m not held to the same standard.”

He remained on one knee, but held out his hands like a supplicant. “That might’ve been true in the past, that I couldn’t be satisfied with just one woman, but you are not one woman. You are the epitome of every man’s fantasy, all women rolled into one. You would satisfy even the largest appetite.”

His tongue swept his lips, and she nearly came out of her skin. “Accept my proposal. Take me, for as long as you like. Then cast me aside if you tire of me later.”

Her legs trembled. Dear Lord, if she didn’t do something quick, everyone would realize the effect he was having on her. She had to end this game. Now. “I’m not just looking for pleasure. I want love. You’ve not said you love me.”

Casanova’s lips twisted in a sneer. “Any man who’s quick to proclaim words of love is a liar and a fool.”

A thrill shot through her. For some reason, Casanova didn’t want to tell Venus he loved her. This was it. Her ace. “But without words, my dear Casanova, the pleasure of love is diminished. Every woman, especially one who represents all women, must be assured by words, heartfelt and true. That is the only way you will win me.”

He narrowed his eyes. Amy struggled to control her excitement. She had him on the run.

“It’s not words that should assure you, it’s what a man does that shows his true feelings.” The urgency in his voice didn’t match his mocking smile, and his eyes blazed with an intensity that made it seem as though his world tilted on her axis, his existence determined by her whim.

Her breath lodged somewhere between her chest and her throat. This wasn’t real. Buck was acting. Even if he was putting on the best show she’d ever seen.

“Give me the words, Casanova,” she whispered, caught up in the fantasy. “For even a goddess longs to hear them.”

Her request hung in the air. Breathing was suspended. The tick of a clock on the mantel was the only sound disturbing the silence…that, and the pounding of her heart.

His smile fell away. “Venus,” he started, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “Don’t you know you own my heart?”

Cheers erupted. Amy’s head swam. Voices faded as the room grew small and hot.

Buck’s concerned expression wavered in and out of focus.

Almighty. This blasted corset was too tight. Amy blinked furiously to erase the black spots clouding her vision, but they wouldn’t retreat, and her lungs wouldn’t expand. Her knees wobbled…right before the curtain dropped.

If you haven't tried the Steam! series, I hope you'll check it out at this low price. 

What's coming this spring?

2017 is starting off with a bang. I'm finishing up two books that will be released in April:

Seducing Susannah, Book 4 in The Bride Train series, which is inspired by true events, also interwoven into the historical underpinning for my Steam! Romance and Rails series.  

When all else fails, try seduction.

Ross Hardt needs to marry fast in order to reclaim his inheritance. Among the prospective brides in town is a beautiful, sassy widow who’s tantalized him from the day they first met--the same day she slapped his face. 

Susannah Braddock journeys west on The Bride Train in search of security and a good father for her young son. On the lawless frontier, few candidates meet her requirements, least of all the arrogant, demanding, unfeeling railroad agent.

Can Ross convince Susannah to see him as more than the man she loves to hate?

My first foray into Contemporary Romance will feature the descendants of a ranching dynasty founded by Ross Hardt (from The Bride Train series). 

Maybe Baby introduces Logan Hardt, and his story is an introduction to my new series, Texas Hearts, which will come out later this year. Maybe Baby is also part of a multi-author project being launched in conjunction with the 2017 RT Conference in Atlanta.

She wants a child. He needs cash. Could a contract between them lead to more than a baby? Maybe.

High-powered executive Jen Chandler can’t ignore the urgent ticking of her biological clock. The nesting instinct has kicked in big-time, and she wants a baby. The only problem, she isn’t interested in acquiring a husband first. Taking control of her future, she sets out in search of a donor.

Logan Hardt, a laid-back cowboy who shows up at her Atlanta home one day, turns out to have the right genes, as well as a pressing need for cash. He’s seduced by more than Jen’s generous offer, and the closer the time comes to say goodbye, the less willing he is to honor a contract that would require him to walk away and never look back.

Thank you all for being such loyal and devoted fans of Get Lost In A Story. To celebrate the start of a new year and also the release of my Steam! Romance and Rails box set, I'll give away a $20 Amazon Gift Card.

Branching out into a different Romance genre and creating another unique historical series are two big challenges for me this year. What challenges have you set for yourself in 2017.

a Rafflecopter giveaway