• Modern Western

    Heartland: contemporary western #romance @sara_w_ellwood #RLFblog

    This quick interview includes info about the author, and introduces the story.

    About the Author

    Although Sara Walter Ellwood has long ago left the farm for the glamour of the big town, she draws on her experiences growing up on a small hobby farm in West Central Pennsylvania to write her contemporary westerns. She’s been married to her college sweetheart for over 20 years, and they have two teenagers and one very spoiled rescue cat named Penny. She longs to visit the places she writes about and jokes she’s a cowgirl at heart stuck in Pennsylvania suburbia. Sara Walter Ellwood is a multi-published and international Amazon bestselling author of the anthology series Cowboy Up. She also dabbles in the paranormal genre with her The Hunter’s Dagger Series, which was previously published under the pen name Cera duBois.

    Interview with Sara Walter Ellwood

    Why did you write this book?
    I actually came up with the idea for this book while writing the heroine’s parents’ romance back in 2010. When Heartstrings (Singing to the Heart book 1) was eventually published in 2013, I just had to wait a few years to write it—to allow the heroine to grow up.
    What is your favorite genre to read?
    Oh, wow, that’s a hard question because I read so many: contemporary romance, paranormal romance, science fiction (I’m a HUGE Star Wars geek), straight historical and romance, fantasy romance… I really can’t pick one.
    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
    It really is a tie between Scarlett O’Hara and Princess Leia (from the Star Wars Legacy universe—the old Expanded Universe).
    What are you working on at the moment, and will see from you in coming months?
    I’m working on A Hunter’s Wings–book 3, of my paranormal series, The Hunter’s Dagger Series. I hope to have it released by January. I’m also plotting and doing research for a time travel historical YA fantasy set in early sixteenth century England/Scotland. The story will involve two fairies who go back in time to prevent another time-traveling fairy from assassinating King Henry VIIs daughter before she can marry the Stuart King, James IV, which would prevent the eventual secession of the Scottish kings to the English throne.
    Please tell us about your latest book.
    Sex, drugs, and country music. That was the lifestyle for Emily Kendall, a Texas girl who hit it big on the country music charts—until she found herself pregnant and battling addiction. Now out of rehab and seeking a new life for herself and her unborn child, Emily returns to her hometown of McAllister. The last thing she’s looking for is trouble, no matter how good it looks in uniform.
    A widower, single father, and former Army Ranger struggling with PTSD, Sheriff EJ Cowley has his own demons to battle while keeping folks safe. The last thing he needs is a troubled celebrity speeding through town in her bright red Maserati. But when someone from Emily’s past threatens her safety and the peace of McAllister, EJ has no choice but to protect her. And soon both will learn there’s more to the other than meets the eye. And that wounded hearts can love again.

    About the Book

    Title Heartland (Singing to the Heart book 3)
    Genre Contemporary Western Romance
    Author Sara Walter Ellwood
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Buy This Book

    Publisher http://www.ekensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/29486
    Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Heartland-Heartsong-Book-Walter-Ellwood-ebook/dp/B015VA3O8S/
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heartland-sara-walter-ellwood/1122713773?ean=9781601834911
    iTunes  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heartland/id1052617000?mt=11

    Author Social Media

  • Modern Western

    Cowboy in Charge by @BarbaraWDaille #RLFblog #contemporaryromance

    Today’s featured book is Cowboy in Charge by Barbara White Daille.

    About the Book

    Title  Cowboy in Charge
    Genre  Contemporary romance
    Author  Barbara White Daille
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings G, PG, PG13, R): PG
    TIMING IS EVERYTHING
    Single mom Layne Slater thought she’d seen the last of Jason McAndry when he chose the rodeo over her and their unborn son. Now Jason’s back in Cowboy Creek and just as handsome as ever. But Layne can’t give in to those feelings again. She has to protect her children…and her heart. 
    Jason wants to try to make up for the pain he caused when he left. The least he can do is help Layne while he’s home. Before long, Jason realizes he’s finally ready to be the husband, father and man his family deserves. But can Jason prove to Layne that this time, their love is forever?

    Buy This Book

    Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Charge-Hitching-Post-Hotel/dp/0373756283
    Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cowboy-in-charge-barbara-white-daille/1123353803
    Books-A-Million http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Cowboy-Charge/Barbara-White-Daille/9780373756285
    IndieBound http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780373756285

    About the Author

    Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest. Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven’t gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom. Other than that, she is thrilled to be living the writer’s life and coming up with stories to share with you!
    The first of her Flagman’s Folly stories, A Rancher’s Pride, is now available in Larger Print exclusively from Harlequin. You can also find the original version at most major e-tailers, including Harlequin and Amazon.
    The next book in Barbara’s popular The Hitching Post Hotel series is Cowboy in Charge, July 2016, with other books in the series to follow. In November 2016, she begins a new sweet romance series for Entangled Bliss.
    She would love to have you stop by her website and blog, and look for her the next time you’re on Facebook and Twitter.

    Author Social Media

  • Modern Western

    What the Heiress Wants a new #contemporary by @AuthorKristina #RLFblog

    This quick interview includes info about the author, and introduces the story.

    About the Author

    Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer’s capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way, she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she’s living her own happily ever after.
    Kristina writes sassy contemporary romance novels; her books have appeared on Kindle Best Seller Lists. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line!

    Interview with Kristina Knight

    Why did you write this book? – What the Heiress Wants is the second book in my Billionaire Cowboys trilogy. I love writing cowboys, but I wanted to get away from the typical rodeo or working-ranch cowboy hero. Gage (book 1), Connor (book 2) and Jase (book 3) are still very much cowboys – but they wear suits and wingtips as often as they wear boots and Levis. To match up with them, I knew I needed three strong heroines, and Cassie, Miranda and Sabrina are definitely strong!
    What is your favorite genre to read? – Contemporary romances hold a special place in my heart because they were the first books that I picked up as a young (tween) reader, but I won’t turn down a great historical or paranormal or futuristic…anything goes – as long as it includes a happily ever after.
    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)? – There are so many! My daughter and I have been on a bit of a Princess Bride kick lately, so I’m going to go with Inigo, the Spanish swordsman. He’s a bit dangerous, he’s very strong, and he dedicates himself to his mission. I can get behind a man like that!
    What are you working on at the moment, and will see from you in coming months? – The third book in the Billionaire Cowboys trilogy, What the Gambler Risks, will be coming out in September, so I’m finishing that up now. And I’m just starting a brand new series, set in a small town in Missouri, that I can’t wait to share more about!
    Please tell us about your latest book.
    The Billionaire Cowboys trilogy by best-selling author Kristina Knight continues with What the Heiress Wants.
    Denver publishing heiress Miranda Clayton craves more from life than society parties and shopping sprees, but her tycoon father refuses to take her seriously. Her solution? Beat him at his own game by going to work for his top competitor, Connor Reeves, in Las Vegas.
    Connor isn’t fooled by Miranda’s new plan for a second. He knows exactly who she is; what he doesn’t know is why she’s pulling him into her games. After their first meeting, Connor knows what he wants – Miranda in his bed! But the more he’s around his new vice president, the more he wants something deeper than a short-term fling. The question is does the lady want Connor – or his business?
    Sensuality Level: Sensual 
    Title What the Heiress Wants
    Genre Contemporary
    Author Kristina Knight
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Buy This Book

    Publisher http://www.crimsonromance.com/contemporary-romance-novels/what-the-heiress-wants/
    Amazon:  http://www.amzn.com/B01ENYQKT8
    Barnes
    and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-heiress-wants-kristina-knight/1123719419
    iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-the-heiress-wants/id1107053691
    Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/what-the-heiress-wants

    Author Social Media

    Website http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com
  • Modern Western

    Meet Dane Carlson from Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord @MaryJDressel #RLFblog #Romance

    Meet Dane Carlson from Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord by Mary J McCoy-Dressel.

    Author Bio

     Early days of reading romance novels and women’s fiction laid the groundwork for Mary to take up the pen and write her own memorable love stories. Love always wins and the rewards are sexy and sweet. She loves to write stories with strong family ties, lasting friendships, gentlemen heroes with a touch of bad, and women who know how to handle them.
    Her home is in the Great Lake Basin area in the U.S.A. Two grown sons and an Australian Shepherd fur-baby dog complete her family. Mary loves communicating with readers and friends. She also has a mailing list for readers who want to be notified of new releases and important book updates. Look for the next book in the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, late 2016.

    About the Book

    Title Of the Cowboy’s Own Accord
    Genre Contemporary Western Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    Army Ranger Dane Carlson never means to fall in love before leaving for another tour of duty, but unexpectedly, he does. While deployed, he finds himself being sent home early to the family ranch to make a heartrending decision. Little does he know he isn’t the only one making decisions. His first priority is to rekindle the flame after losing communication with Gracelyn Clark. The woman who owns his heart and has since the moment their gaze connects. But now, nothing is the same as when they met.
    The first round of news is surprise enough, yet Gracelyn continues to release shocking information detrimental to their future. How do they make it work after so few days together seven months ago? Adjusting to many new things in his life isn’t easy as it is, so to pull himself back to the man he’s become, could be the biggest test of all—in order to protect his own.
    Challenges abound even as Dane and Gracelyn come to terms with the decisions they’ve made. Whatever tomorrow brings, their only choice is acceptance—to take one day at a time and face life as it comes.

    Introducing Dane Carlson

    Welcome to Romance Lives Forever! We’re happy to have you here today.
    Name: Dane Carlson
    Age: 33
    Gender: Male
    Birthplace: I was born in Binghampton, New York, but I came to Canyon Junction, Arizona as a teen.
    Profession: A soldier for fourteen years. I’m a horse rancher on the family ranch now. We all have our own property on the Double Dutch.
    Describe your body and build, skin tone, height and weight. Include any unique features such as dimples, freckles, or scars.
    Let’s see now… I’m 6’1” with my boots on. My hair is blond, kind of short but longer on top. I’m letting it grow. I’m about 190 pounds of brain and brawn. You’ll find some scars on my body, and maybe a tattoo. Ladies try to stick their finger in my dimples, so yeah, I guess I have them.
    Who is the significant other in your life?
    That’d be the hottie, Gracelyn Clark.
    Please tell us a little about yourself.
    I’m the youngest of three boys. Basically, I’m a horse rancher, but in my mind I’m still an Army Ranger. I’m adapting. Family is important to me. I don’t like to play games, and I won’t take bull from anyone. I’m sort of a patient kind of guy. Sort of…
    How do you dress?
    At home I wear a t-shirt, jeans, my cowboy hat and boots, and sometimes a flannel shirt. I wear a leather jacket and motorcycle boots when I ride my bike. When I go out, I wear a button-up shirt or a Henley with “good” jeans or a nicer pair of pants depending on where I’m going. I’ll wear a suit or a tux if I have to. I wore an Army White Mess uniform to a recent family wedding. Yep, it was a great choice not to mention a big surprise. I like to pull surprises.
    If we could only hear your voice (but not see you) what characteristic would identify you?
    I’ve been told my voice is mellow and sexy. *grin* I hear a little scratch in it myself.
    On what special skills do you rely?
    My intelligence. Without it, the other skills mean nothing, and I have acquired many skills from fourteen years of military training. Fighting. Marksmanship. Planning. Leadership. Saving a life…you get it. Plus, my dad taught me what I need for ranching, whether I wanted to learn it or not. I admit, Dad was right.
    What is your family like?
    Close-knit. We’d die for one another if we had to. My brothers razz the hell out of me, though. My dad passed away more than ten years ago. Mom helps out with the ranch. She deserves the credit for it all.
    How well do you know your neighbors?
    My direct neighbors are my brothers. Canyon Junction is a small town. I know most of the townspeople better than I should. People talk, you know. I hear things I’d rather not know.
    Do you care about what others assume about you?
    It depends. If it involves my reputation, yeah I care, and I don’t take it lightly if someone wants to put a blemish on my reputation. Other than that, no, I could care less. I know who I am.
    How do you handle challenges?
    Head on, baby!
    Who in your life has the power to hurt you the most and why?
    Mostly, it’s someone in Gracelyn’s life. Why? This person is a threat to her happiness, which then becomes a threat to mine, and I take it personal.
    What would you like to tell your writer?
    Hey, great! First off, I wouldn’t mind having another book. Hey, you with the laptop… I have more to tell. Come on, girl, y’all know I do. And, you know how much I loved being an Army Ranger? What’s up with that? I know what you’re going to say…everything turned out for the best. Oh, and…um, thanks. You know why. *Wink*

    Buy This Book

    Amazon http://amzn.com/B00ZV1U3VO
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-the-cowboys-own-accord-mary-j-mccoy-dressel/1122166347?ean=2940151759182

    Author Social Media

  • Double Feature,  Modern Western

    Bull Rider Rowdy, Classy Italian @maryjdressel #Cowboys #RLFblog

    Mary J McCoy-Dressel writes Bull Rider Rowdy, Classy Italian.
    Her featured books are Howdy, Ma’am, and Hey, Cowboy.

    Author Bio

    Early days of reading romance novels and women’s fiction laid
    the groundwork for Mary to take up the pen and write her own memorable love stories.
    She write stories with strong family ties, lasting friendships, gentlemen cowboys
    with a touch of bad, and the women who know how to handle them. In her books, you
    can expect a twist and turn along the way, maybe a tear, sensuality, a laugh or
    two, and even a little suspense.
    Mary loves communicating with readers and friends. She also has
    a mailing list for readers who want to be notified of new releases and important
    book updates. Mary is a member of Romance Writers of America. Bull Rider Series
    #3 is coming in late spring 2016.

    Howdy, Ma’am (Bull Rider Series #1)

    Genre Contemporary Western Romance
    Author Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    Bull rider Caulder McCutchen wants to start living again. But
    this year he has a good chance of winning the coveted gold buckle, knowing he has
    to ride harder, go bigger, or go home. Winning consumes him, but it doesn’t take
    away the pain from a tremendous loss less than two years ago. On a whim, he hires
    a feisty photographer to travel the bull riding circuit with him for a season. A
    little extra publicity can’t hurt, and she’s easy on the eyes.
    When he finds himself passionately attracted to her, will this
    sassy little Italian photographer prove to be just what his claim to fame needs—or
    a disastrous distraction?
    Velia Armano had the strength to walk away from an abusive husband.
    After throwing a dart on the map, she moves from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona and
    opens her own photography studio—at the cost of leaving behind her close-knit, prominent
    Italian family. Six months into her well-ordered life alone, a hunky cowboy saunters
    in with his howdy, ma’am and flame blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would
    find hard to refuse. She accepts his offer and discovers they both have their own
    obstacles to overcome. Staying out of each other’s arms is only one of them.
    Before the final show, they both hope to find the right answer—to
    remain in their self-appointed exiles, or give in to a “happily ever after.”
    When the season ends, who wins the real prize?
    Buy Howdy, Ma’am
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B00ARNQEQY
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/howdy-maam-mary-j-mccoy-dressel/1114142282;jsessionid=4F6E378B34BAF46C4B6943AE111C1D15.prodny_store01-atgap05?ean=2940152313680
    Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/howdy-ma-am-1
    iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/howdy-maam/id1060248442?mt=11

    Hey, Cowboy (Bull Rider Series #2)

    Genre Contemporary Western Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    The rowdy bull rider and classy Italian are at it again in this
    compelling and emotional second book in the Bull Rider Series.
    In Hey, Cowboy, a break in the season finds Velia Armano and
    Caulder McCutchen back in Tucson, Arizona. Family, friends, and rowdy cowboys are
    brought together to share in joy…and sometimes pain.
    The last year with Caulder has given her trust and strength like
    she’s never known. But, her strength is weakened. Enemies harbor a vendetta against
    her and her family…and anyone who gets in the way.
    Caulder vows to protect Velia, yet little does he know the lengths
    he’ll have to go— He learns that sometimes a hero has to prove he is one.
    An injury during break threatens his career. How can he give
    her everything when his future hangs in the balance? All they ask for is a peaceful
    life together—a new bull riding season with a chance to win the coveted gold buckle,
    and a happily ever after.
    Happiness is within reach if their burning love is strong enough
    to overcome enemies plotting against Velia’s family—and a possible career-ending
    injury for Caulder.
    Buy Hey, Cowboy
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B00M39W3C4
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hey-cowboy-mary-j-mccoy-dressel/1120001598?ean=9781501458132
    Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/hey-cowboy
    iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/hey-cowboy/id903080909?mt=11

    Author Social Media

  • Character Sketch,  Modern Western

    Mitch Weston The Lawman’s Christmas Proposal by @BarbaraWDaille #RLFblog #contemporaryromance

    A Character Sketch includes character information, book
    cover, blurb, buy links, and social media contacts for the author.

    Interview with Mitch Weston

    Tell us about yourself,
    please.
    Mitch Weston. LA cop. Now sidelined by an undercover op that
    got shot to hell. That got my partner killed, thanks to me. That left me one of
    the walking wounded, in more ways than one.
    According to my department-assigned shrink, I need to talk things
    out. Problem is, I’m not much of a talker. I’m a doer. Though not lately.
    Authors call what you
    want but cannot have “the conflict” — what is yours?
    You sound like my shrink. (Smiles.) No offense.
    Where do you want me to start?
    I want to go back in time and reverse what happened in LA –but
    I can’t.
    I want to go even further back, to my teens, and prevent what
    happened then –when the girl I loved walked away without a second glance. Can’t
    do that, either. And currently, that girl –that woman –is in my life again…temporarily.
    But this time around, I can’t get her to give me even a first glance.
    Most of all, I want to trust my instincts. But… (shrugs) I’d
    imagine you can fill in the blank.
    Drawing from my shrink sessions again…am I bitter? Maybe. Frustrated?
    For sure. Heartsick? That’s not something you’ll ever hear me admit.
    What can you not do (but
    need to do) during this story?
    Redeem myself. Trust my instincts again. Convince Andi to let
    me help her, to protect her. Because it’s what I do.
    What inner doubt causes
    you the most difficulty?
    Why didn’t I push harder to follow my instincts when I had the
    chance?
    In the story world your author created, explain what it is you
    fear most and why.
    Not being 100% again. Not getting the girl I’ve always loved…
    Though current events have shown me that not
    getting
    Andi means I’ve never hit 100%.
    Tell us about your significant
    other, that person who makes living worthwhile.
    Going by the previous answer, I guess we’d say Andi makes me
    whole.
    What is your family like?
    Great. Dad’s a sheriff; he understands what I’m going through.
    Mom’s…Mom. She just understands me,
    even when I don’t understand myself. I’m the oldest of five, and now I’m back home
    again, I see the caring, the concern from everyone. The family’s need to make me
    all better again. And their strange reluctance to mention the elephant in the room.
    What special skills do
    you rely on?
    Whatever it takes to be a cop. Everything I heard from my dad
    and grandfather, both career sheriffs. Everything I learned in the academy. Everything
    I’ve picked up since –from fellow officers, from my former partners, from felons
    I’ve put away.
    Why are you happy with
    the way your story ended?
    Are you kidding? This is a romance. (Smiles at Andi.)
    I’m happy to get back to the job I’ve always wanted and to get the girl I’ve always loved.

    About the Writer

    Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest.
    Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven’t
    gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom.
    Barbara’s new series, The Hitching Post Hotel, features a matchmaking
    grandpa determined to see his three granddaughters wed. The series began with The
    Cowboy’s Little Surprise and A Rancher of Her Own, and The Lawman’s Christmas Proposal
    has just debuted. Additional books in the series will be coming up next year.
    What was your biggest
    challenge in writing this book?
    Mitch himself. He didn’t want to open up to Andi…to the department
    psychiatrist…or to me. The emotional hurdles he had to overcome made it tough
    for me know how to tell his story and resolve his conflicts. I hope I’ve done them
    –and him –justice.
    Why did you choose this
    character for the interview today?
    To prove to him he’s a better man than he thinks he is.
    When writing the book,
    what did you discover about this character that surprised you?
    His heart. He’s tough when he has to be –and as a cop, he often
    has to be. He’s short with people sometimes, but that’s part of his policeman’s
    persona, too. Underneath it all, he’s got every attribute Andi deserves in her hero.
    Are any sequels planned
    for this book?
    This is the third book in The Hitching Post Hotel series. All
    my books are stand-alones, which mean (for me, anyhow), every hero and heroine reaches
    a happy-ever-after in their book. But yes, there are additional books planned. Cowboy in Conflict will be out in July, and
    there will be at least two more books in the series. And you’ll get to see Mitch
    and Andi again.
    What genre(s) would you
    like to write that you haven’t tried yet?
    Romantic suspense…mystery…women’s fiction… There are many
    stories in my head waiting to be told.
    Why should readers who
    haven’t picked up one of your books before give this one a try?
    As I said above, this is a stand-alone story, so readers don’t
    need to read the books in order. Mitch is trying to recover from a catastrophe;
    Andi has a traumatic past of her own. Along with these emotional story threads,
    there’s a lighter element to the book. Andi’s elderly grandfather (a recurring character
    in the series) and both their families are matchmaking to bring Mitch and Andi together.
    And there’s also a fake-fiancee agreement that goes horribly wrong.
    Is there anything you’d
    like to say to your readers?
    Just something they may have heard from me before:
    I’m a life-long reader and book lover, and I hope my stories
    will give my readers as much pleasure as other authors’ books have given me.

    About the Book

    Title The Lawman’s Christmas Proposal
    Genre Contemporary Romance
    Author Barbara White Daille
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13
    The Lawman’s Christmas Proposal
    A husband for Christmas?
    Mitch Weston’s back in Cowboy Creek,
    and self-proclaimed matchmaker Jed Garland has his single granddaughter Andi on
    his mind. Mitch is a lawman, good with the little ones and easy on the eyes. He
    and Andi were high school sweethearts, for heaven’s sake! Why can’t they see they’re
    perfect for each other?
    Because Andi already lost one husband
    to a dangerous job, and now she’s all about playing it safe, for her sake and her
    children’s. Being a cop is everything to Mitch. After discovering Jed’s plan, Mitch
    and Andi come up with their own: they’ll pretend to get engaged and then break up
    due to irreconcilable differences. Jed’s got his work cut out for him –because
    this match needs a Christmas miracle!

    Buy This Book

    Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Lawmans-Christmas-Proposal-Hitching-Hotel/dp/0373755961
    Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lawmans-christmas-proposal-barbara-white-daille/1121775760
    Books-A-Million http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Lawmans-Christmas-Proposal/Barbara-White-Daille/9780373755967
    IndieBound http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780373755967

    Author Social Media