Posted on by Jacquie Biggar

Jagged Feathers – @jansikes3 #NewRelease #RomanticSuspense #WhiteRuneSeries


I’m excited to have a writer and blogging friend I admire as my guest today. Please welcome Jan Sikes and her new release, Jagged Feathers!

Thank you, Jacquie, for inviting me to your blog site today to talk about my new book, JAGGED FEATHERS! I appreciate your generosity.

Anyone who knows me knows I am not a fan of guns. I have shot them before, but not without trepidation and hesitation. The only gun I ever comfortably shot was a 22 rifle. I know women who love guns and have no problem carrying and shooting them. In my story, Nakina is one of those women who swore she’d never pick up another gun after an incident that occurred when she was a teenager.
But when life or death may depend on her ability to use a firearm, Vann is determined to at least give her some basic lessons.

EXCERPT:

After an hour, Vann pulled off the roadway down a two-lane farm road.
“What are we doing?” Nakina asked.
“I’m looking for an isolated place to give you some handgun lessons.”
“But I don’t even have a gun. And besides, I don’t think I could.”
“Colt and I talked about it. We would feel better if you have a weapon. Of course, I hope you never have to use it. Just in case you do, you at least need to know the basics.”
He slowed the SUV, and Nakina fought to tamp down the panic that crawled up her spine.
It was probably a good idea for her to have a weapon, but pulling the trigger, to wound someone, or possibly to end their life was another matter entirely.
It went against everything her gentle soul believed.
She tensed when Vann stopped in front of a deserted piece of an old house. Only the rock chimney and one wall remained of what was at one time someone’s homestead.
“Perfect.” He got out and reached into the backseat to retrieve a leather zippered pouch. “Come on.”
Nakina opened the door and hesitated. “Vann, I don’t think I can do this.”
He walked around the vehicle and offered his arm. “Of course, you can. Trust me.”
She did trust him. That wasn’t the issue. It was the idea of holding a loaded weapon that gave her a bad case of nerves.
An unbidden memory of one summer on the Indian Reservation flooded her mind. The young boys had taunted her and called her names, saying she didn’t have the guts to shoot a gun. She’d been determined to prove them wrong, to save face.
She’d vowed that day never to hold a gun again.
And here she was, about to get a shooting lesson. Circumstances were different. Lives were at stake, including her own, and she wasn’t a teenage girl anymore.
“Look. I understand that this isn’t something you’re comfortable with. Humor me. If nothing else, it will make me feel better for you to at least know how to load the gun and pull the trigger.”
“Okay.” She followed him with lagging steps to the ruins.
He gathered an armful of old tin cans and set them in a straight line on a piece of fence that still stood.
“Ready?” he asked.
As ready as she’d ever be. She stood next to Vann, and he unzipped the pouch to reveal a small handgun.
“The first thing you need to know about this gun is that it has a safety latch.” He pointed to a button on the side. “See? It’s within easy reach of your thumb when the gun is in your hand.”
“I see it.” Nakina peered over Vann’s arm.
“And this disengages the clip.” He slid a button backward, and the clip popped out. “This gun can actually still fire with the clip out if there’s already a bullet in the chamber, so that’s good to remember.” He pulled the slide back. “Come closer so you can see that right now the chamber is empty.”
Nakina took two steps closer and drew in a shaky breath. “Okay.”
Vann loaded the clip and popped it back in. “Here. I want you to hold it. It’s not heavy, and it won’t have any kickback. Have you ever fired a gun before?”
“Only once. And I promised I’d never do it again.”
“Sorry to make you break your promise, but I’d rather see you safe.” He placed the gun in the palm of her hand.
“It’s cold.” She held it loose and away from her body.
Vann stood behind her. “Don’t be nervous. There’s nothing here that you can hurt. I’m going to support your arm and help you aim.”
With his hand on her arm and his breath on her neck, her fear began to dissipate. He had a special way of making her feel safe and warm.

I think for guys, it just comes naturally to be comfortable with firearms, but not always with the ladies. I’d love to hear your thoughts. I could certainly identify with Nakina’s fears.

BLURB:


Vann Noble did his duty. He served his country and returned a shell of a man, wounded inside and out. With a missing limb and battling PTSD, he seeks healing in an isolated cabin outside a small Texas town with a stray dog that sees beyond his master’s scars. If only the white rune’s magic can bring a happily ever after to a man as broken as Vann.

On the run from hired killers and struggling to make sense of her unexplained deadly mission, Nakina Bird seeks refuge in Vann’s cabin. She has secrets. Secrets that can get them all killed.

A ticking clock and long odds of living or dying, create jarring risks.
Will these two not only survive, but find an unexpected love along the way? Or, will evil forces win and destroy them both?

https://linktr.ee/Rijanjks


WEBSITE: http://www.jansikes.com
BLOG: http://www.jansikesblog.com
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/jansikes3
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks
PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/jks0851/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095856.Jan_Sikes
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-sikes
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jansikes/
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Sikes/e/B00CS9K8DK

I’ve read a few of Jan’s stories and enjoy her slightly damaged heroes and their healing journeys. Jagged Feathers is high on my reading list, is it on yours?

94 Replies to “Jagged Feathers – @jansikes3 #NewRelease #RomanticSuspense #WhiteRuneSeries”

  1. Pingback: Blog Tour Day 18- Jagged Feathers #RomanticSuspense @wildrosepress @JacqBiggar – Writing and Music

  2. I’ve shot several guns throughout my life, both pistols and long guns, even blackpowder. I even took a handgun safety course, but I’ve never been comfortable handling one. I’m with Nakina on the trepidation!

    A great excerpt from a novel I enjoyed. Wishing you well with Jagged Feathers, Jan.

    Thanks for hosting today, Jacquie!

    Liked by 3 people

    2. Wow, Mae! A blackpowder gun? That’s pretty bold if you ask me. I thought I was overcoming my fears by shooting a 22. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate your book recommendation as well!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I’ve gone to the range a couple of times, but I am also not a fan of guns. As a military brat, I grew up with a gun in the house, but I was always taught to stay away from it. Guess that is ingrained in my mind. Great excerpt and post, Jan! Thanks for hosting, Jacquie! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I would imagine growing up in a military household, guns were commonplace. Glad the warning stuck. You are brave to go to a shooting range. It’s not anything I’d ever do. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, Yvette! Have a great day!

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Hi Jan, Hi Jacquie,
    As a soldier in the United States Army, I had to learn to shoot. I didn’t get nervous either. In fact, I enjoyed it.
    As to the excerpt, Right On! I like this excerpt very much.
    Jacquie, thank you for hosting Jan.
    Shalom aleichem

    Liked by 4 people

    2. Thank you, Pat, for your service! And I think it’s absolutely wonderful that the military opened its doors to women after being such an elite male club. I’m sure you have some stories to tell. 🙂 Oh wait! You’re an author. You can tell them. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! Have a wonderful day!

      Liked by 2 people

  5. In the UK, guns aren’t so common outside an armed service. Usually, it’s farmers with shotguns or rifles. So the whole concept of carrying a gun is alien to me. Great post, Jan. best wishes with your launch. Thanks for sharing, Jacquie 💕🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I think the UK’s gun stance is a good one. Farmers need shotguns or rifles. Hunters need shotguns and rifles. Everyday citizens not so much. However, the world we live in seems to garner the need to have self-defense weapons. I’m happy you stopped by and left a comment! Thank you, Harmony! Have a great day!

      Liked by 2 people

  6. I used to be terrified of guns until I learned to shoot. That being said, I still don’t like them. We have a .22 and a shotgun but I haven’t shot either of them in years.

    Still enjoying the tour, Jan. Thanks for hosting today, Jacquie!

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I do think proper training would help alleviate some fears of the weapon, Joan. But why shoot if there is no need to, right? 🙂 Thanks for your comment and glad you’re still enjoying the tour!

      Liked by 2 people

    1. In Canada handguns are illegal to carry unless you have a special license, so I would be nervous to see one on a normal occasion.
      I agree, it’s best to leave firearms to the experts. Thanks for stopping in, Jill!

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Great post, Jacquie. Congratulations, Jan, on another wonderful showcase. I grew up on a farm, and my dad always had a shotgun in his truck. He kept a revolver in the house. He, like many in my family, served in the military. That said, I never liked guns. But I went to a range about 15 years ago and got over my fear. I wish everyone knew how to properly hold and use a weapon. When I’m around people who respect and handle guns properly, I don’t have any concerns about guns.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I think you nailed it, Gwen. Having proper training on how to handle and fire a weapon would certainly go a long way to alleviating fears. Thank you so very much for your comment!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Good morning, Jacquie! Thank you so much for allowing me to take over your blog site to talk about my newest book release. I appreciate your kindness and generosity! Have a great day!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. HI Jacquie, it is great to see Jan here with this post about Jagged Feathers. I am quite familiar with guns and can shoot okay although I’m out of practice. I would definitely use a gun if my family was threatened in any way. The world is a little wild right now and we have to make sure we are equipped to survive.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That is wonderful, Robbie, that you are comfortable enough with guns to defend your family if you had to. Hopefully, you’ll never have to! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Another fantastic post promoting your book, Jan! Jacquie, thank you so much for sharing your site with us. I’m actually pretty good with a gun. I’ve grown up around them. I joke that my dad has his own arsenal. And my other half has one for us that we often carry. But honestly, they terrify me! I’m more of a knife girl. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

      1. LOL Funny thing is I do love my knives. I collect them. Will (the other half) often buys me one as a gift. Of course, it’s usually massive in size and is considered a survival knife.

        Liked by 2 people

  15. I’m a strong believer in the Second Amendment, but I’ve never shot a gun. It’s a situation my son is determined to rectify, but I’m in no hurry. I have a healthy respect for the damage they can cause in the wrong hands. Or even in careless or clueless ones. But I’m going to be with him for my birthday this year, and I suspect my gift will be my first trip to the range.

    Loved Jagged Feathers, Jan. Wishing you all the best with it. Thanks for hosting, Jacquie.

    Liked by 2 people

    2. I’m going to have to agree to disagree with you on the weapons front. Too many land in the wrong hands for my comfort.
      Thanks for stopping by to support Jan, Staci. How’s that beautiful baby doing?

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I’ve never been comfortable with guns either, Jan. Although they are necessary where we live. So I live with them.
    Thanks for hostimg, Jacquie 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I can certainly understand the necessity for guns where you live, Denise. Hopefully, hubby will take care of predators and you never have to. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!

      Liked by 2 people

  19. It’s been a while, but I did learn about guns and how to shoot. First from my dad and then from a friend who owned a gun range. It’s so important to learn about safety before ever picking up one. Really enjoying these excerpts, Jan – thanks for hosting, Jacquie!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. My wife and I are not gun people, but I don’t have anything against those who own firearms and use them responsibly. When our son was graduating from high school, we asked what he wanted for a graduation present. He wanted a shotgun. That threw me for a loop, but we reluctantly got him one. When he graduated from college, we faced that question again. What would he ask for? He wanted a new set of golf clubs. I was never so happy to spend money.🤣

    Liked by 2 people

  21. Pingback: Blog Tour Day 19- Jagged Feathers #RomanticSuspense @wildrosepress @MaeClair1 – Writing and Music

  22. I avoided guns until I had children. Then, I realized, what would I do to protect them? Of course I would use a gun to stop similarly-armed intruders (thank you, Castle Doctrine). So, I spent a ton of time learning to handle one properly. Your book looks great, Jan–no surprise to one who has read and loved several of your other titles.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Pingback: Blog Tour Day 20- Jagged Feathers #RomanticSuspense @wildrosepress @pat_garcia – Writing and Music
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  25. I’m not a fan at all of guns, Jan, especially since my brother was shot in the head. But if we have to endure them, better that people are trained and respectful of their power. I’m starting Ghostly Interference tonight and look forward to getting to this one too! Thanks for hosting Jan’s tour, Jacquie! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

        1. I agree. Guns, if they must be used, should only be in the hands of professionals, military, police, etc.
          Anyone who picks up a gun does so with the intent to harm, whether in defense or offensive- neither is necessary.

          Liked by 1 person

  27. Pingback: Blog Tour Day 22- Jagged Feathers #RomanticSuspense @wildrosepress @AuthorErikaKind – Writing and Music
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  31. Congratulations to Jan, and it’s so nice to see her here. I don’t like guns at all, except when necessary for people like the military, police and farmers. Toni x

    Liked by 1 person

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