A cowboy, just what a woman in trouble needs: An interview with contemporary romance author Kimberly Lewis

1) Please tell us about your book.

Zane is the first book in a series of three revolving around the McKade siblings—Zane, Luke and Norah. In this first book we are introduced to the whole family but, as you can tell from the title, this one focuses on Zane with Luke and Norah being secondary characters.

This story is about two people, Zane and Kellan/Andi, who both have their fair share of horrible pasts—Kellan/Andi having dealt with an abusive boyfriend and Zane coming from a past where all he knows is distrust and betrayal. It’s because of these events (plus a rocky first meeting) that keep these two from liking each other at first. But once they set aside their differences, they realize that they really can get along with each other and a sweet love story between the two develops.

2) Please tell us a bit more about your two leads, Kellan/Andi and Zane.

Zane is a country boy who loves his cowboy lifestyle, working on his family’s ranch raising horses and training them. He is a very family oriented guy and will do anything he can to protect the ones he loves from getting hurt.

Kellan/Andi is a city girl who never intended on making the move to the country. She knows nothing of country life and it’s quite a culture shock for her at first. She is sweet but has a sassy side that comes through when someone gives her a hard time.

3) What's the enduring appeal of the cowboy?

I think it’s that whole simplistic, country boy charm that they all seem to have. They don’t need to wine you and dine you to win you over. Instead they choose a more casual approach to things—a quiet walk down a dirt road, horseback riding, etc. Plus the fact that they are strong enough to tame thousand pound wild animals but aren’t afraid to show a softer side when it comes to the woman they love.

4) How did you get interested in the Lone Star State as a setting for contemporary romance?

Well, when I think of cowboys I automatically think of Texas. That’s really what it all comes down to on how I chose that particular state for the setting of my novels. I may venture outside of Texas for future novels, but we’ll have to see:-)

5) What's the one trait a good male lead in romance needs?

I think strength is one of the important ones. Not just in the physical sense but emotionally as well.

6) You've added a touch of danger in your book. Do you think contemporary romance is better, in general, with a touch of danger?

That’s a good question:-) I wouldn’t necessarily say that contemporary romance is better with a touch of danger, but it does make an interesting read. I chose to have that element of danger in this book because that’s how I saw my conflict play out during the writing process. Personally I enjoy novels that have some danger and excitement to them, so naturally that’s why I chose to go that route. But to say that contemporary romance is all around better with a touch of danger would be wrong because there are many novels I have read with no element of danger that I absolutely love. It all comes down to personal taste really and how well the author keeps you interested in the characters and storyline.

7) Please tell us about your other projects.

I do have one more completed novel that is available in ebook format only (as of right now). When the Heart Falls is my very first novel that I published and it’s also a contemporary western romance. I always feel like I’m going to give too much away when I describe what my novels are about so, in an effort not to spoil anything, here’s the synopsis:

When Misty Prescott moved back home to her parent’s ranch after catching her husband cheating on her, she couldn’t have possibly known that she’d fall for not one, but two cowboys at the same time. Nor could she have known that getting involved with both men would bring unwelcome excitement, turning her already messed up world completely upside down. As Misty’s relationship with Vance Kinney begins, she can’t help but develop an intense attraction to her best friend’s older brother, Dylan McCoy. But just as Misty makes her choice, she indirectly becomes the target of one horrific event after another. Now, Misty must fight the very obstacles that threaten to tear her apart from the man she loves, and survive the danger lurking around every corner that threatens their very lives.

I am also working on the second book in my McKades of Texas series, which revolves around Norah. I’d love to give you more details about it, but I’ve just started writing it so there’s not much to talk about right now:-)

8) Do you have an excerpt you'd like to share?

Here’s an excerpt that touches on that element of danger:

“Well, I think that’s the last of them. Why don’t we go ahead and start closing up,” Red suggested to Andi around a quarter to two.

“Sounds good to me. I’m beat for one night.” Andi walked over and locked the door, turning the neon open sign off in the process as well. She then walked around to each table and cleared off all of the bottles, glasses, and pitchers. Red took care of bagging up all of the trash and told Andi that he was going to run it out back to the dumpster and that he’d be back in a few.

She walked behind the bar and stretched her arms over her head, letting out a huge sigh as she picked up the broom from the corner. Walking back out to the dance floor, she reached in her pocket and placed a quarter in the jukebox. “Cowboy Take Me Away” by the Dixie Chicks came through the speakers and Andi hummed the tune as she began to sweep the dirty floor. She was so into the song that she didn’t even hear the footsteps across the wooden floor. Andi jumped and dropped the broom when she felt the masculine arms slide around her waist from behind her. She was startled, only for a moment, and she playfully slapped at the hands that were lying across her stomach.

“Don’t you remember what happened last time you did that?” she teased.

The hands slid down to her hips and forcefully pulled her backwards.

“Whoa,” she said attempting to keep her balance.

Cool lips touched her neck and the hands slid from her hips to her ribs and slowly across her breast.

“Babe, don’t do that here,” she chided and attempted to free herself of his strong hands. His grip only tightened the more she tried to free herself. “Whoa, Zane, take it easy,” she said starting to become annoyed. He’d never acted like this before and she didn’t understand why he was being rough with her now. “Ouch, babe, that hurts.”

The lips left her neck for only a moment and Andi could feel the warm breath of a whisper blow across the tip of her earlobe as she heard, “Who’s Zane?”

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If you'd lik to see more from Kimberly, tomorrow she'll be visiting http://jamiehaden.blogspot.com.

In addition, you can find her at: 

Blog: www.kimberlylewisnovels@blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-Lewis/290011734397673
Twitter: @klewisnovels
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/978131.Kimberly_Lewis

Zane can be purchased at  http://www.amazon.com/Zane-McKades-Texas-Book-ebook/dp/B008TYZK6I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347739602&sr=8-1&keywords=zane+the+mckades+of+texas.

Secrets and love: An interview with historical romance author M.K. McClintock

Today I'm talking again with western historical romance author M.K. McClintock about another book in her Montana Gallagher series, Gallagher's Hope. We discussed the first book in the series, Gallagher's Pride, in March.

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1) Tell us about Gallagher's Hope.


The blurb can do a better job of that than I can.

She sought a new beginning.
He sought what he didn't know was missing.
Together they would discover hope in unlikely places.
​
Isabelle Rousseau must escape New Orleans and the memory of her family's tragic loss. With her younger brother in tow, she accepts a position as the new schoolteacher in Briarwood, Montana. Desperate to keep what's left of her family together, Isabelle joins her life with a stranger only to discover that trust and hope go hand in hand.

Gabriel Gallagher lived each day as it came believing he had everything he could possibly want . . . until a determined woman and her brother arrive with a little luggage and a lot of secrets. It will take a drastic choice to protect her and give them both hope for the future.

2) Tell us a bit about your heroine.

Apparently I enjoy writing heroines who have to go through a lot of tragedy and turmoil in order to become who I know they can be. Isabelle is no different. In the beginning she’s just a well-bred woman from the city who has to find the strength to care for her brother on her own. Once she arrives in Montana, she goes through a lot and shows us that she is strong, capable, loving, and able to endure whatever is thrown her way. It takes her a little time to reach that point, but she doesn’t disappoint. I’d also say she’s gentler than the other women in the series.

3) Tell us a bit about your hero.

Gabriel Gallagher. I have a soft spot for this one, though that tends to be true of whichever hero I’m writing at the time. Gabriel is similar to his brother Ethan from Gallagher’s Pride—they’re both strong, chivalrous, devoted to family, loyal, hard-working. In the first book, Gabriel was a bit more laid back. In Gallagher’s Hope, you still see that side of him, but he shows us his darker, human side.

4) What themes underlie the plot of this book?

The usual themes found in both romances and westerns. You see a lot more of the typical western-revenge theme in this one. You’ll also see characters facing inner darkness and overcoming that, faith vs. doubt, love and sacrifice—a lot going on here.

5) Is anything in particular you enjoyed in this book vs. Gallagher's Pride? Was it easier or harder to write this second book in the series?


I can’t say I enjoyed anything more about writing this one better than I did writing the first book. I certainly enjoyed returning to the family and seeing characters from the first book get their own story. I have a fondness for Gabriel, so I was thrilled to write his unique story, but I love the Gallagher family, so it’s difficult to like one more than the other.

Both! It was easier because I already knew most of the characters and so writing them came easily. It was more difficult because I was editing the 2nd edition of Gallagher’s Pride while finishing up Gallagher’s Hope.

6) You've previously noted that you've already planned this series out to the fifth book. The changing leads gives you some flexibility with this, but I'm curious if you ended up changing anything in Gallagher's Hope after completing Gallagher's Pride?

And I still have five books planned, though the fifth book is now completely different than what I originally planned. I did change some of Gallagher’s Hope after completing the 2nd edition of Gallagher’s Pride. The story I mapped out is the same, but the character’s journeys have certainly changed. In addition to new characters, I changed, or should I say added, a major scene. I’m thrilled with the changes.

7) Any overlap with the characters of Gallagher's Pride?

Definitely! Almost all of the characters from the first book have carried over into the second with the Gallagher family of course being at the center. I have introduced a few new characters and I’m excited about how they’ve so easily entered the story.

8) When can we expect the third in the series to be published?

I’d like to say exactly six months, but I won’t be rushing the book. I’m taking the month of August off from writing to help balance out my schedule and then I’ll be back full-force in September. Gallagher’s Choice should be released in the first half of 2013.

Trailer:

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M.K. is also doing a giveaway for three signed paperbacks via this link or you can leave a comment here to be entered:  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks, M.K.

If you would like to read more from M.K., please check her out at:

Website: http://www.mkmcclintock.com

Official Blog: http://mkmcclintock.blogspot.com
Goodreads Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5438837.M_K_McClintock

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/mkmcclintock
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MK-McClintock/454576274571336
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MKMcClintockMT or @MKMcClintockMT
Kindlegraph: http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/MKMcClintockMT

Gallagher's Hope can be purchased in physical and eBook form at Amazon.

What's sexier than a cowboy? An interview with paranormal romance author Cait Lavender

Today I'm talking with paranormal romance author Cait Lavender about her werewolf western paranormal romance, HUNTER MOON.

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1) Please tell us about your book.

HUNTER MOON is a paranormal romance set in the small Central California town of Raymond. Shelby Flint is a cattle rancher struggling to make ends meet, fighting against her vindictive cousins who are trying to take her ranch and fighting against a man sabotaging her land and trying to kill her, all the while trying to keep from throwing herself and her heart at the feed of a nosy, gorgeous game warden who’s poking his nose in her business.

2) This book is part of the Lupine Moon series. Can you tell us how it fits in with the rest of the series?


Basically, any books in the Lupine Moon series are going to revolve around, you guessed it, lupines. They’re my own special, sexy brand of werewolves.

3) At first brush, werewolves aren't something you'd think would have made the romantic leap quite as well as they have in fiction. What do you think is behind the popularity of werewolves in paranormal romance circles?

I think there is something sexy about a man who can be, quite literally, an animal. Animals have a certain kind of honor too; they don’t kill needlessly, they protect those they love fiercely and
with their lives, and they have strength and agility that humans just can’t possess. Mix that in
with a sexy man, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a dream-man.


4) What traits do you think make for an interesting romantic heroine? An interesting romantic hero?


I hate it when the heroines are these shy little victims, accepting the bad things that happen to them because they can’t do anything to change them and expecting a big man to save them. All
my girls have guts, even if it takes them a little while to find them. And my heroes? I don’t like guys that are like Superman. Perfect. My men have flaws, issues, but I think that makes them
more real.

5) What's something that you just don't like to see in romance and have tried to avoid in your work?


Mmm...probably the instant "love at first sight’ moment." I don’t mind "lust at first sight", because I think that happens a lot in real life. But the instant, overwhelming I’ll-die-for-you kind of love, that’s gotta be worked up to. I think it’s a rare person that is that aware of their feelings and can come to terms with that strong of an emotion in second.

6) There's an old writing maxim: "write what you know." Though the exact meaning of "what you know" is debatable and varies by context, it's striking that you've written a story that seems
to play somewhat into your background strengths. Can you tell us a little about how your background influenced your story setting both in a positive way or maybe even ways that you found frustrating?

That’s a great question! That old maxim is why I set my story close to my hometown. I think because I was so familiar with the area, I was able to paint a clear picture of the landscape, the people and the western culture. The only thing I had to worry about was being too close to real life.

7) Fill in the blanks: ______ are sexy, _____ are sexier.


Cowboys are sexy, werewolf cowboys are sexier.

8) What's next for the Lupine Moon series?

I’m going to focus on Shelby’s next move. I’ve got lots of people hounding me for book two, so believe me when I say I’ll try to get it finished as soon as possible!

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You can find more from Cait at www.caitlavender.com.

HUNTER MOON can be purchased at Amazon.

A Bit of Scotland, A Bit of Montana: An interview with historical romance author MK McClintock

Today I'm talking with MK McClintock about her western historical romance, GALLAGHER'S PRIDE.

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1) Tell us about your book.

Without giving you the standard back-cover blurb…GALLAGHER'S PRIDE is a historical western romance with adventure, some humor and enjoyable characters who are also flawed (yes, you get the happy ending). There is also the revenge element found in true westerns, so it’s a nice combination. Brenna Cameron, our ‘heroine’ is a Scottish lass who finds herself in the wilds of Montana. Ethan Gallagher and his family are respected cattle ranchers who have their own scores to settle. The Gallagher siblings are all educated, hard-working and share the same hatred-a hatred that mirrors Brenna’s, though on a different level and for different reasons. There are some surprises and some laughter throughout the book. You’ll also get death and love, beautiful landscapes and rough land – a lot of elements went into this book.

2) What inspired this book?


I imagine what often inspires readers – write what you want to read. I enjoy a genre that seems to have branched out into a number of sub-genres, but I still wanted to read historical western romances in a more original form. The inspiration behind the story came from my time in Scotland and my life in Montana and a way to combine the two into a genre I enjoy reading.

3) Scotland and Montana are two places that one doesn't typically associate with each other. You mentioned spending time in both places, but is that the main reason why you chose to include both of these places in your story?

Good observation and you’re right, though I do know a few Scottish who have made their way to Montana. I included both simply because I love both places. Scotland is a gloriously beautiful country and the Highlands had a mysterious and wild feel to them. The people I had the pleasure of meeting were kind, hard-working and amazing storytellers. It’s also a country with a fascinating history. Montana is considerably younger than Scotland, but in some ways similar. While in Scotland people I spoke with about my home were fascinated with the American west, still in this day. They asked about cowboys and Indians and the way of life-I think some were disappointed that we lived modern-day lives, but the fascination was still there. What it comes down to is that both places are dear to me and I wanted both to have a home in the story.

4) What's the allure of Scotland? Even people with zero Scottish blood seem enamored of the country.


There is a mystery about Scotland and a deep, sometimes dark history. The castles around almost every corner, the ruins, the royalty, the wars and even movies like Braveheart – all of these elements combine to paint a fascinating image and energy that draws one in. I remember feeling that energy the moment I stepped foot onto Scottish soil. Like so many countries whose history have spanned centuries, there is a sort of magic in the air. Scotland has also been portrayed as not only a barbaric country, but also a romantic one through movies and stories-both are strong elements. I will say that I believe the real Scotland is far more beautiful and interesting than anything portrayed in fiction or on screen.

5) What, for you, defines the perfect romance hero?


Personally, I prefer a hero with flaws. Perfection is overrated, especially in a hero. Yes, the element of a strong, capable character is essential to any hero, but I’d rather have a hero who shows us their less-than-perfect side. He doesn’t get everything right. He might occasionally take a beating and he might even make mistakes-he’s human. I also don’t care for cookie-cutter heroes, meaning the same hero written over and over. I’d rather see a personality, whether charming or gruff, so long as he’s an individual.

6) What defines the perfect romance heroine?

The same elements for the hero, at least in my mind, are essential to the heroine. I do enjoy a heroine who has to be rescued by our hero-that’s a part of the adventure and romance, but she should also be strong of character. I enjoy a heroine who knows her own mind and doesn’t necessarily define her life by the hero but rather allows him to complement who she is as an individual.

7) It's no secret that romance, as a genre, has gotten steadily steamier over the years. Indeed, a few notable romance sites have even stated they are realigning their "heat" scales to better reflect that reality. Others have noted that the rise of certain specific sub-genres, such as the so-called "Bonnet books" (Amish/Mennonite romance) may be a reaction by certain segments of the romance reader population who are disappointed by a lack of cleaner offerings. Can you share your thoughts on all this?

I do agree that romance books have indeed gotten steamier, but at the same time, even erotica was written hundreds of years ago; It’s just become more accessible and more accepted. I’ve also noticed that ‘heat’ scales or content ratings have been placed on blogs that offer reviews (mine included) to warn readers about the level of steamy content. The main problem I see with this, is that one person’s opinion of minor steam content may be completely different from another’s opinion, so it’s not always easy to judge a book by those steamy-meters. The sub-genres have definitely seen a rise, especially Christian-romance sub-genres because some readers want a guarantee of a clean book and they know that certain authors will always deliver that. I do believe that the population of readers looking for cleaner offerings will continue to grow and possibly faster than authors realize.

Personally, I choose a book for the story. If the steamy content isn’t overdone or doesn’t take away from the story, then I generally don’t think much about it. In GALLAGHER'S PRIDE, the scenes are merely implied and that was a personal choice as an author. The other books in the series will be just as clean even though books wouldn’t be considered one of these cleaner sub-genres, because I believe some readers are looking for clean books without the religious element. The good news is that there are enough readers who are either willing to span the entire romance genre, regardless of content, or who prefer a specific sub-genre and have found enough authors who have filled that need.

8) Can you give us a bit of insight into the future of this series?

There are four more books planned for the Montana Gallagher series, each telling the story of another family member. The next book is about the second Gallagher brother, Gabriel, and a woman from New Orleans. The third will be the story of their sister, Eliza Gallagher. I can’t tell more than that without giving too much away. The fourth and fifth books are planned out (covers and all), but again at this point, those stories are being kept under wraps. I will say that the protagonist from the first book doesn’t go away and storylines from the first book are picked up in the others, though each book has a unique romance and a new adventure.

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Thanks for stopping by, MK.

If you'd like to see more from MK, please visit her at http://www.mkmcclintock.com.

GALLAGHER'S PRIDE is available in print and electronic form at Amazon.

Lonesome cowboys and camels? An interview with thriller and romance author Louise Crawford

Today, I'm speaking with Louise Crawford about her co-written (with Ramona Butler) contemporary western romance, Sagebrush Cinderella.

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1) Tell us about your book.

Ramona Butler and I teamed up to write humorous romance novels, and this was the 3rd in a Nevada, modern-day, western series about 3 brothers who run a ranch near Carson City. 

2) This is #3 in the Lonesome Cowboys series. Can you tell us a little bit about the other books in the series? Reading the other books didn't seem required to understand Sagebrush Cinderella.

We started off the series with Sabrina Says which won a contest for short contemporary romance.  Sabrina Says introduced Clay, Rusty, and Zack Daniels,  who run a ranch together. The youngest, Zack, runs an advertisement on a billboard for himself and his brothers, looking for some romance in their lives. This starts off the first book about part-time sheriff, Rusty Daniels, and Sabrina Sayers, a visitor from Los Angeles, looking to get over her divorce.  She's supposed to be writing a weekly column for the love-lorn, but in reality it's her greandmother, Aggie, who is writing the column.  So when Rusty writes in for advice to impress Sabrina, he gets a tad misinformed with comedic results.  The second book, Trouble in 3-D, is about Clay Daniels and his new hired hand, a redhaired card dealer from Reno, who happens to be a triplet.  When her identical triplet sisters arrive on scene, all kinds of humorous events occur.

3) What inspired this book?  

Sagebrush Cinderella was inspired by Zack's fun character and knack for getting into trouble or getting his brothers into it, in the first book, and Joy Littlebear's passion for animals of all sorts, as well as for Zack.

4) Why did you choose your particular setting? It's interesting in that you've produced a contemporary Western romance, but the emphasis is on different elements than you typically see in the sub-genre.  

Ramona and I were in a critique group together in Sacramento.  She moved to Carson City, Nevada.  Western romances seemed to be doing well in sales, so I asked her if she wanted to write one.  She'd been writing a humorous column for The Bee, so I knew she had a funny bone.  Romances about sheriffs and ranchers also do well, so I combined the two in Rusty's character, she liked the idea and we got started.

5) Exotic animals play a large role in the plot. Did you do a lot of research on the animals?  

Yes, we did.  Camels had been brought over and left in Nevada in the 1800s and the Virginia City Camel Races had gone on for many years as an annual event.  Ostriches were also a part of the races.  We wanted to incorporate some of the local annual events into our stories.  In our High Flying Love novel, we use the air races for several scenes, and our protagonists who fall in love are a stunt pilot and a tribal policeman.

6) Co-writing is an interesting phenomenon. Writing is typically considered an intensely personal experience. How did you and Ramona divide up the writing?

We got together and plotted out the story, chapter by chapter.  I then wrote a rough draft of each chapter, emailed it to her, she rewrote/revised/edited, and emailed it back.  We kept the work going back and forth until we were both happy with the result.

7) Did you have any creative debates as the novel progressed? 

We agreed that we would keep our egos out of the process and look at what would make the best book.  If one person felt very strongly about an idea or change, then we discussed it and came to an agreement.  We already knew we got along well in the critique group, so it didn't seem like it would be a problem writing together, and it wasn't.  I'd been writing dark fantasy and epic fantasy novels, and I wanted to try humor and shorter stuff, so writing with Ramona seemed like a fun way to accomplish both.

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Thanks, Louise.

You can see more of Louise's diverse body of work ranging from thrillers to romances at both www.lfcrawford.com and  www.louisecrawfordbooks.com.

You can see more from Ramona Butler on her Amazon page.

Sagebrush Cinderella is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.