Tempting Miss Prissy - Softcover

Ihle, Sharon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 006108400X ISBN 13: 9780061084003

Publisher: Harpercollins, 1996

Synopsis

Fleeing an unwanted husband, respectable rancher's daughter Priscilla Stillbottom becomes the star saloon singer in a rough Colorado mining town, never imagining that she would have to outwit a devilishly attractive saloon owner determined to uncover her past and win her heart. Original.

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

Setting: 1872 Central City, Colorado Territory

Set up: Priscilla Stillbottom is inquiring about a job as a singer in Payton Cobb's saloon.

"In case you haven't noticed, this is a saloon, and what I'm looking for is a saloon singer." His skeptical gaze perused her from top to bottom, then he slowly shook his head. "Excuse me for saying so, ma'am, but you hardly fit the bill."

Priscilla hoped his comments referred to her manner of dress and not her general appearance. Counting on that, she pleaded her case. "Oh, but please, sir--you've got to give me a chance. I can learn to sing anything, honest, I can. Won't you at least let me show you what I can do?"

...(Priscilla can't carry a tune in a bucket, but she doesn't know it. After a really dreadful audition, Payton's assistant talks him into giving Priscilla a one-week trial period. He reluctantly agrees, then sets down a few of his rules)...

"Another thing, sweetheart. Most folks come to mining camps like Central City for one of two reasons. One, they're looking to get rich by striking gold. Or two, they're running away from something. I'm not in the habit of asking folks what they're running from 'cause it's none of my damn business unless I decide to make them part of this establishment. Since I seem to have hired you, I've got to have some idea what kind of trouble you might be bringing along with you. Understand?"

Her heart in her throat, Priscilla nodded. "Yes, sir, I think I do."

"Then I have to ask--you didn't happen to run out on some fella who might come looking for you, did you?"

Weighing her options, Priscilla gulped. She couldn't imagine that her family, or even Boris Hardtack, might come looking for her, and yet she didn't want to lie, especially to her new employer who was obviously growing impatient for her to answer. As she mulled over her options, he asked yet another question, this time, getting right to the point.

"Let me make it a little plainer, Miss Prissy. Dressed the way you are, you look as if you've left some poor fool standing at the alter. Did you?"

Relief flooded her.

"Oh, goodness, no," she laughed, giddy with happiness over the fact that she hadn't been forced to lie to her new employer. And she hadn't. Not really. After all, Priscilla Stillbottom had not left her groom standing at the alter. She'd gone ahead and married him, and then she'd run away.

Review:

Miss Priscilla Stillbottom lived in Kansas. Her father married her off to Boris Hardtack in return for a loan to pay off his debt. Her wedding night with Boris was a nightmare because he was drunk and cruel, so she ran away before he woke up. She traveled to Colorado and ended up at The Fox's Den. The saloon was advertising for an actress/ singer and Priscilla had always dreamed of singing on stage. She made up her mind to ask for the job, but she never intended to literally drop into the establishment. Payton Cobb, the owner of the saloon felt so bad over the accident that he agreed to an audition. Her signing was so bad it made his dog Thunder, howl, but his associate thought they might have something in it. Priscilla and the dog became an act and they were a huge hit! Priscilla and Payton are attracted to each other, but she panics when he kisses her as the memory of her wedding night floods her mind. He thinks she is an innocent, but Priscilla assures him that she is wise in the ways of men and women. As much as she wants him, she cannot bring herself to love him. But one night it happens and Priscilla can't believe how different and wonderful making love is with Payton. They agree that neither one wants to commit to marriage and Priscilla feels free to love him. Then suddenly everything begins to fall apart. Payton proposes to her and to make matters worse, a few days later Boris shows up in town. Payton is shattered because she lied to him, and yet he still loves her. Priscilla decides on a course of action and she goes to see Boris. The encounter does not go the way she planned, thanks to Payton and Thunder, however some issues are settled. The most important one though, her future with Payton takes a little more imagination and work.An engaging story! Tempting Miss Prissy is sure to tempt any historical romance reader! Sharon Ihle is a veritable artist in her craft! Tempting Miss Prissy is a real work of art! Ms. Ihle sculpts wonderful characters and paints vivid, entertaining scenes! A memorable book, a keeper for sure!Gloria Miller -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Sharon Ihle is a veritable artist in her craft! Tempting Miss Prissy is a real work of art! -- The Literary Times

About this edition

• Publisher: Harpercollins
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 006108400X
• ISBN 13: 9780061084003
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 10