The Bull Rider’s Heart by Betty Derr May
Happy holidays to all! Give a big welcome to Betty Derr May, author of Bull Rider’s Heart her debut novel.
Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see what Betty’s Bull Riders Heart is all about. Thanks for joining us!
Betty, I have a few questions for you.
What inspired The Bull Rider’s Heart?
I grew up riding horses and going to rodeos all my life. I still have a love of both, and would own a ranch and raise Quarter horses if I had a chance. This story is a combination of all my childhood experiences. This is a part of a series I write of a fictional town in Oklahoma called Marigold.
If I had it to do all over again, what would I do differently?
I believe I would start writing earlier in life. I waited as the stories kept building in my head. Today my job is to try to get them all written.
What does Success mean to me?
Well, believe it or not, success does not me how much money I can make selling my books, although that’s a nice dividend, however, I truly believe for me success is knowing I have put out books that people enjoy reading.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
To tell you the truth, I consider writing my full-time job. I spend usually 8 hours a day writing. By the time my characters stop talking to me it’s time for dinner and I then get some time with my family and my dog. I do like to do puzzles and of course I read as much as I can.
Why do you write what you write?
I write contemporary romance with a twist. Sometimes the twist is suspense, action, even a touch of paranormal thrown into the mix. I do love to read historical romances and even follow a vampire family. So, you could say I am a mixture of all that I write.
Any tips to share with fellow authors?
I believe if you want to succeed you have to sit in your chair and write. Let your characters flow and soon your story will take on it’s own personality.
Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: Dances with Wolves
Favorite book: Identity
Last book I read : Bad Luck Vampire
Favorite Color: red
Stilettos or flip flops: flip flops
Coffee or tea: both
Ebook, audiobook, or paperback: I like them all
Pencil or pen: pen
Favorite Song: Flowers
Streak or not: NOT
Favorite dessert: German Chocolate Cake
Favorite junk food: chocolate covered cherries
Favorite thing to do to relax: watch a movie
Champagne or gin: Champagne
Paranormal or Historical: Both
Wonder woman or top model: Wonder woman
Favorite TV show: Yellowstone
Hot or cold: Hot
I’d die if I don’t have: Diet Pepsi
Review or not: review
Tell us a little about Bull Rider’s Heart
The Bull Rider’s Heart is a heartwarming story about finding purpose and hope in unexpected places and learning to let go of the past in order to embrace the future. Whether you are a fan of rodeo or simple looking for a compelling, emotional read, this book is sure to capture your heart and leave you inspired. Cash Maguire had always lived for the thrill of the ride. He was a bull rider, through and through. But when a devastating injury halts his career, Cash finds himself lost and directionless. That is until a surprise appears on his doorstep – a daughter he never knew he had. As Cash navigate the ups and downs of fatherhood, he’s forced to to reevaluate his entire life and start down a new path in the form of his lovely neighbor. Along the way he’ll discover that the greatest ride of his life might not be on the back of a bull, but in the love and sacrifices of being a parent and husband.
A sneak peek between the pages of The Bull Rider’s Heart:
Leaning against the fence, Cash took a moment to gather himself. Drawing in a deep breath, he felt a single bead of sweat trickle down his spine. The weight of his family’s ranch rested squarely on his shoulders, and he understood the enormity of the situation. Realizing he couldn’t continue riding bulls indefinitely, Cash acknowledged the limitations of his own body.
Cash listened intently as the announcer captivated the crowd, building their anticipation for the upcoming bull riding event. With determination, he stood tall and inspected his equipment. Everything needed to be in perfect condition, as it would be his lifeline during the ride.
Entering the staging area, Cash was hit by a potent mix of unpleasant aromas – cow dung, sweat, and the unmistakable scent of fear. The atmosphere was heavy with tension. Drawing the notorious bull Cat Ballou, known for its vicious nature, Cash understood this ride could either result in a high score or a devastating failure would impact his finances.
As he sipped water, he became aware that the lump lodged in his throat refused to go down. Suddenly, his mouth felt parched, and his heartbeat intensified. A shudder coursed through Cash’s spine, accompanied by a single bead of sweat.
Not one to be intimidated, Cash decided to channel energy and took a daring leap onto the chute railing. His determined fingers curled around the rope tightly as he slid his hand up and down, testing his grip for maximum security.
Adjusting his hat, he felt rather than knew this would be challenging. ride. The bull harbored a strong dislike towards him, which Cash was aware of considering his past encounters. He knew firsthand how merciless the bull could be towards the unfortunate riders.
He expertly wound the rope through his left hand to secure his hold, ensuring it wouldn’t slip away. Feeling the surge of adrenaline, he drummed his fingers against the railing, generating some warmth before the moment of truth. The electric atmosphere created by the amused spectators and the comical performance of the clowns. Cash took a deep breath to center himself, then nodded to the official to release the bull.
A tornado in a frenzy of furious hooves and flailing horns. Cash’s grip tightened on the rope as he braced himself against the violent bucking and twisting of the beast. Cash’s determination grew more vigorous with every jolt and bone-rattling landing. He refused to let fear take hold of him, instead channeling all his focus and strength into maintaining control. As the crowd roared with adrenaline-fueled excitement, Cash dug his spurs into the sides of the massive bull, urging it on with relentless persistence. The seconds stretched like an eternity, but Cash remained resolute, refusing to succumb to the chaos beneath him.
Cash desperately clung on for dear life. The bull executed a sudden sideways jump, sending Cash into a thrilling whirlwind through the air. As the bull descended with a force comparable to a jackhammer, Cash’s body flailed uncontrollably, resembling a limp rag doll. His head narrowly missed colliding with the hindquarters of the colossal creature. In a brave display of determination, Cash held onto the line, defying gravity as the massive bull impersonated a headstand.
Cash used all his skill and training to stay on the bull’s back for the full eight seconds. Cash precisely relinquished his grip on the rope when the buzzer sounded, landing on the arena floor in a cloud of dust.
About the Author:
Betty Derr May is a Romance writer, whose books offer not only romance but a romance with a twist. She lives in beautiful Colorado amidst tall majestic trees and mountains. Originally from Oklahoma, her series about the people of a mythical town of Marigold will make you laugh, cry, and sometimes feel the hurt and joy of the characters as she brings them all to life. But they will always entertain you. Betty is the mother of three sons, and three rapidly growing granddaughters. She is also the proud owner of an English Bulldog who can most days be found asleep at her feet while she writes. When she’s not writing she enjoys spending time with her family, Sorority Sisters, movies, and working puzzles.
Buy Link: Amazon
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with The Bull-Rider’s Heart! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. Until next week’s Sunday Snippet. A surprise is waiting!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Betty Derr May, Contemporary Romance, Ranch, Rodeo, The Bull Rider's Hear, Western by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Nobody Else But You Author Claire Marti’s Interview
Give a warm welcome to Claire Marti author of Nobody Else But You – Pacific Vista Ranch, Book one. Happy Release Day!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Claire and Nobody Else but You.
What inspired you to write Nobody Else But You?
After I wrote my first contemporary romance series, Finding Forever in Laguna, I was in the mood to try something different. I had plans for a Regency series with three French sisters, a standalone novel in 1920’s Paris, and a standalone novel set in Paris and San Francisco. All of those books are in varying stages of completion, but a new idea sparked my interest and the Pacific Vista Ranch series was born first.
Let me give you a little background: I’m a yoga teacher and have private clients who live in an exclusive wealthy enclave called Rancho Santa Fe, California. This community is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Without giving you a geography lesson, it’s a ten mile area developed by a female architect, Lilian Rice, in 1921. Rancho Santa Fe is made up of a village center and several small horse ranches all connected with lush tree-lined winding roads, complete with horse and hiking trails throughout the properties. This private haven is only five miles from the Pacific Ocean.
My client’s daughter-in-law is a horse-breeding manager at a large quarter-horse breeding ranch in a neighboring town. I was intrigued to learn how she was one of a handful of women in a profession dominated by men. I love writing about strong, fiery heroines and once I met this young woman, I was inspired to write about a powerful woman excelling in this traditional profession. Once I visited the ranch where she controlled the large operation, I learned more than I ever anticipated about stallions, foals, and something called the phantom mare. You’ll have to read Nobody Else But You to learn more.
Inspired to create a series where family plays a major role, I created the McNeill clan, who were once upon a time Hollywood royalty. Chris McNeill, the patriarch, was a major movie director and producer. After a tragic accident devastates the family, he moves them from Los Angeles to Pacific Vista Ranch to start over. . Sam has a twin sister Dylan, who is an artist and an older sister Amanda, who is the equine vet.
Capitalizing on the Hollywood concept, and using the movie industry to build conflict, I created a hero who would rub Samantha McNeill the wrong way simply by existing. The moment he opens his mouth, Holt Ericsson, top Hollywood stuntman, infuriates Sam. Studying a few, okay a few hundred, photos of actor Charlie Hunnam inspired Holt’s looks and cocky, playful attitude.
Sam and Holt’s story is a classic enemies to lovers, opposites attract story. I had so much fun writing their heated exchanges, complete with eye rolls, smirks, and reluctant passion. Samantha McNeill is a modern heroine, who once she learns to open her heart, receives her happily-ever-after, on her own terms.
Next for the McNeills? Each sister will have her own story, coming out in October and November 2019. Their three stepbrothers stories will be out in 2020.
Tell us a little about Nobody Else But You.
A smoking hot stuntman. A fiery horse breeder. And a 220-acre ranch too small for both of them.
She’s avoided Hollywood for years…
When an arrogant Hollywood stuntman struts into Samantha McNeill’s breeding barn, sparks fly. She doesn’t care how mouthwateringly gorgeous he is, not when he assumes Pacific Vista Ranch’s resident horse breeding manager must be a man. Not to mention his job threatens to pull her family back into the paparazzi filled world they escaped from over a decade ago.
Now it’s at her door––wearing faded jeans and a wicked grin.
Holt Ericsson can tell the beautiful redhead hates him on sight and the feeling is becoming mutual. But he will call in a favor and convince Sam’s legendary director father that Pacific Vista Ranch is the only suitable place left in California to film an epic Western. Holt’s invested all his savings in the movie and his entire career is riding on it. No way will he allow one irritating, sexy woman to stand in his way.
Sam intends to fight him at every turn…if only her heart didn’t race when they’re together. Holt does his best to steer clear of her…except all he wants to do is hold her close. The sizzling attraction between them is either going to burn up the sheets or burn down the ranch…
A sneak peek between the pages of Nobody Else But You:
Swallowing a flutter of nerves in her throat, she rapped on the door. She was simply going for business. Ranch business. Bringing him dinner was simply being polite, like her father had raised her to be. So why was her heart hammering against her ribcage?
“It’s unlocked.” A muffled voice called. So much for manners. Holt apparently didn’t seem to bother with them.
She hesitated a moment. She smoothed back an errant strand into the ballet bun she hadn’t bothered to unravel. Although she’d changed out of her dance gear into her favorite old pair of jeans and a super-soft t-shirt, she hadn’t been in the mood to mess with her hair. Briefly, she regretted not being more like her twin sister, talented with makeup and hair. But, nope, Dylan had received the lion’s share of feminine genes.
Whatever. She opened the door, and then froze. He was rubbing his hair dry with a white towel slung over one shoulder. The pristine white material emphasized his bronzed skin. Tiny beads of moisture clung to chiseled pecs and the light sprinkling of golden hair on his chest was the only thing preventing him from looking like a marble statue. Barely. Shredded eight-pack abs and sharp V-cuts of muscle converged at the waistband of a pair of jeans as faded as her own. Her mouth suddenly parched, she swallowed. Hard.
“Sorry, I got stuck on the phone.” He grinned and tossed the towel onto a nearby chair.
She jerked her gaze up to his face, which had to be safer, right? Her pulse thrummed in her temple and heat descended to her belly. Damn. His face was definitely not safer than his gorgeous body.
“How’d you get that scar?” She blurted out the words, desperate to distract herself from his pure physical presence. He really needed to put on a shirt. Pronto.
“Scar? Which one?” He laughed, seemingly oblivious to her reaction, thank goodness.
“Forehead. The one across your forehead.” A flaw. Weren’t scars flaws? Why did it make him look just a little dangerous? And it did save him from utter perfection. Didn’t it?
My Review of Nobody Else But You:
A smoking hot stuntman. A fiery horse breeder. And a 220-acre ranch too small for both of them sums up this book perfectly.
Years ago a tragic accident on a Hollywood set left the McNeil family broken and grief stricken. Chris McNeil the father left the bright lights and settled his three young girls, Samantha, Dylan and Amanda on a California ranch far removed from the scene of the accident and scandal.
The years have been good to them, Chris remarried and his girls are now an equine veterinarian, the ranch manager, and an artist when the unthinkable happens. Chris agrees to allow part of the ranch to be used at a set for a movie. Bringing the very thing to their doorstep they sought to escape, drudging up painful memories, and threat of a media invasion the women are furious.
First on the scene, stuntman, Holt Ericsson’s initial meeting with Samantha McNeil was didn’t go as planned. They were like oil and water from the very beginning. Yet the sizzling attraction between them won’t be denied.
I loved this book. Ms. Marti’s characters are bigger than life in a descriptive setting that makes you feel like you are right there with them in the thick of things, which is the way I like books. The twists and turns keep you turning the pages of this exciting romance until the very end. I have to admit, I was sorry to see it end. A satisfying read that I highly recommend.
Five well earned stars!
About the author:
Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.
Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga.
Claire loves to hear from readers!
Reach out via email or sign up for her newsletter at www.clairemarti.com
Follow Claire:
Twitter @clairepmarti
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ClaireMartiAuthor/
Instagram at @clairepmarti
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti”>https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Nobody Else But You!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged California, Claire Marti, DContemporary Romance, Horses, Nobody Else But You, Ranch by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
Cat Dubie Author of The Queen of Paradise Valley
Give a warm welcome to Cat Dubie, author of The Queen of Paradise Valley!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Cat Dubie and Del and Dianna from The Queen of Paradise Valley.
Thanks, Tena, for hosting me and my characters on your blog today! Del and Diana are ready for their interviews –
Great lets start with this handsome hunk sitting next to you.
The name’s Delaney Russell, Del to my friends.
Tells us about the real you— What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?
[short hesitation] When I was ten I watched my Pa die in a cold, lonely cave. He was sick, couldn’t work, so we packed up a wagon and headed to Colorado to see if his old partner would help us. He flat out refused. I spent a long time planning vengeance for Pa. But when I met the old partner’s daughter, everything changed. And not for the better, not for a long time.
What do you most value?
[Smiles] Well, my wife would say my property, my horses, then her. I’d say the reverse. [another smile] But I’ll add honesty and trust, two things worth fighting for.
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?
I once loved the sweetest, kindest, truest woman I’d ever known. We planned a life together, but she died too soon. I later discovered it was a dream, never meant to be. Now I found a new reason to live and love with an unpredictable, exciting, passionate, stubborn, ornery-at-times woman who sure lives up to her royal nickname. It was a hell of a hard road getting where we are now. She almost killed me, but she also saved my life. And yeah, she’s my forever woman.
What do you consider most important in life?
Well, it’s different for everyone. Some say family, some say wealth, some say power. These days, I say it’s most important to be alive, to wake up every morning beside someone you love.
What is your biggest secret?
Most of my secrets were revealed in the book. Read it to find out. [winks]
Thank you Del, we appreciate your time. Now Diana, it’s your turn in the barrel, so to speak.
I’m Diana Rennie, now Mrs. Russell.
Who are you really? Who were the biggest role models in your life?
Ha! I didn’t have any growing up – when I was three my mother whisked me from the ranch where I was born to New York city. She wanted only to sit on the top rung of the Society ladder. Her frantic pace eventually killed her – liquor, morphine, belladonna. Could say my role models were my teachers, especially my piano teacher. Also the house servants, who took pity on me and were wonderfully kind. I didn’t have a real role model until I met my father again. [sighs] But he was far from perfect, as I sadly discovered.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with?
You know, in New York I never had an ideal man in mind. Mother groomed me to marry a wealthy man, even a titled European one. I had other plans. And when I went to Colorado to live with my father, I had no thoughts about spending my life with a man. I was happy to live there and learn all I could about him. Then I met – you could say butted heads with – the one man who completely changed my life. I disliked him at first, we argued about everything, and when I discovered he was my partner I was determined to get rid of him. But he saved me again and again, from outward forces, from myself! Even when I sure didn’t deserve his help. I could easily say he’s strong and handsome, but he’s so much more. And amazingly he loves me. I can’t bear to think of life without him.
What kind of man would you never choose?
I’d never choose a man whose life revolves around his belongings and riches, or who had no compassion for others.
What is most important to you in life?
At one time it was my ambition to become a world renowned pianist. Then it was my father, who I thought was the greatest man in the world until I discovered he was only human. Now it’s Del, the ranch, and the family we hope to have someday.
What is your biggest fear?
[laughs] I used to fear many things but had perfected a way of hiding it. It took some harrowing experiences and a special man to shrink those fears enough to kick them away. Now my biggest fear is probably waking up and finding the last years were only a dream. If it’s a dream, I never want to wake up.
Cat it your turn. Tell us a little about writing this story. Was it fun or difficult? Do your characters always act as you expect? Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?
I wrote The Queen of Paradise Valley over several years. The first draft was over 200,000 words. I put it away for years, and dusted it off every now and then to do rewrites and editing. The writing part was fun, the editing was harder, as I had much to learn about the process. My biggest problem – I started the story too early, made complex [I thought interesting] lives for each main character. Several chapters later, the actual story began. I took out those early chapters [killed my darlings!] and it finally made cohesive sense. Each edit I made whittled the word count down until I had less than 100,000 words.
The characters go in the direction I lead them, but then insist on having the final word. They say and do things that alter the plot, but I don’t mind – that’s the fun part! And as I reread my story I sometimes get surprised. Did I write that? Hmm, I don’t remember that paragraph. Maybe I was in a fugue state and someone else was dictating the story? [The joy of writing!] A plotter or a pantster? I’d have to say both. I write scenes out of order as they come to me or as the characters dictate, but then I have a big timeline of events into which I fit the scenes I’ve written, and find which scenes I still need.
Tell us a little about The Queen of Paradise Valley:
Diana Rennie, daughter of a wealthy rancher, attempts to persuade mystery man Del Russell to leave his grievances behind and forgive her father for past mistakes. Her careful plan goes awry and results in a shotgun wedding and a prison sentence for Del.
Four years later, Del is back in her life with a vengeance—back for his rightful share of Diana’s ranch, back to prove he isn’t the criminal she thought he was, back to finish what the two of them started years ago in a passionate daze. And he isn’t going anywhere, no matter what beautiful, treacherous Diana does or says to try to get rid of him.
A Peek Between the Pages of The Queen of Paradise Valley:
“I don’t have much left to wager. I doubt you’d want my saddle, and I won’t part with my horses.” He again rubbed his jaw. “My share of the mine.”
The cards slipped from her hand. “Are you mad? For forty dollars and a pretty—”
“I had higher stakes in mind.”
“What stakes?” Now his eyes were like sunshine reflected on a rippling silver lake. She gathered the cards, and the stones skipped against her skin. Mouth dry, she repeated, “What stakes?”
“If I win, you’ll move into my bedroom, share my bed.”
Thrills snaked down her back, jumbled visions careened through her mind. She forced herself to concentrate on reshuffling the cards. Wind whistled down the chimney, and the flames flared, then sizzled and spit when sprayed by melting snow.
She met his gaze. “If I win, you’ll sign your entire share to me.” He nodded and she went on, “If you win, I’ll go to your bed, but for one night only. Is your share of the mine worth so little to you?”
“Is your pride worth so much to you?” A soft laugh. “Should we put it in writing? Deal the cards.
Maybe your luck will hold.”
You can find The Queen of Paradise Valley at most online retailers including:
The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Indigo, Kobo
About the Author:
Cat Dubie believes she was destined to write. Her love of words began early – she was making rhymes soon after learning to talk. With a crayon in hand she first drew stories, with a pencil she wrote them. As for reading, she was the girl who always had her nose in a book, the one who read with a flashlight under the covers or, when the moon was full, sat by a window for hours laughing, crying, loving characters whose adventurous lives wouldn’t let her sleep.
She has traveled the world in books. She has traveled back in time and into the future in books. Her keen interest in history determined the nature of her books, and the first Historical romance novel she read, settled the genre.
After working for various levels of government, she retired and now lives in the beautiful province of British Columbia, where she indulges in her need for creating stories about romance, adventure, passion, mystery, love …
Social media links:
My blog: https://catdubie.blogspot.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcat.dubie.7
twitter: https://twitter.com/catdubie
It was wonderful having you, Dell and Diana with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with The Queen of Paradise Valley.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Cat Dubie, Contemporary, Ranch, Romance, The Queen of Paradise Valley, Western by Tena Stetler with 23 comments.
