Tink's Hump Day Heroes: Casey Ridge....

Happy Hump Day, everybody! Tink is continuing her sojourn down in West Texas. For a moment, I thought she wasn’t going to check in. She’s enjoying her time in Wayback with these cowboys far too much. Today she’s interviewing the hero of Bluest Heart, the second novella in my Ridges of Wayback, TX trilogy. This cowboy has enough charm and clean-cut appeal to make your heart melt. And he’s got it bad for the town bad-girl, Josie….

 

Tink: Name?
Casey Ridge
 

Tink: Hair color?

Sandy blond
 

Tink: Eye color?

Blue

 

Tink: Occupation?
Casey: My father, Leland, owns a cattle ranch in Wayback called Ridge Range. It’s been in the family since before I was born. My big brother, Keefe, my little sister, Stella, my friend and brother-in-law, Judd Black, and I all work as hands there. I also sometimes join the calf-ropin’ competition at the town rodeo on the weekends.

 

Tink: Hometown?
Casey: Ma’am, I’m proud to say I was born and raised right here in Wayback, West Texas.

 

Tink: Are you the first one on the dance floor or not so much?
Casey: I’ve been known to two-step a time or two. Especially if my girl, Josie, is singing at The Blue Bug Saloon.

 

Tink: What is your preferred mode of transportation?
Casey: A company 4x4.

Tink: Would you rather tell someone you love them or show it?
Casey: In Josie’s case, both. Most people know I’m good on my word, but I have a feeling my girl needs more than that.

Tink: Who is the person you look up to most in life?
Casey: My father, Leland. Hardest-working man I know.

 

Tink: Travel to the past or into the future?
Casey: I like the present, especially with Josie warming up to me.

 

Tink: What would you give your heroine if you needed forgiveness?

Casey: Josie’s been hurt a time or two in the past and it’s taken forever for me to get past that tough armor she carries herself in. I hope I’m never so careless as to lose her trust or her faith in me. For the sake of the question, though, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for the sake of forgiveness. She’s worth it.

 

Tink: Would you describe yourself as more alpha or beta?
Casey: I guess I’m a little bit of both.

 

Tink: Would you make the first move or wait it out?
Casey: It depends on the situation. I’m not above making the first move or waiting it out.  

 

Tink: Do you have a favorite song?
Casey: That Kenny Chesney song. “Baby You Save Me.”

 

Tink: What is your idea of a dream date?
Casey: We could take the horses up into the range hills. There’s a little creek on the northern border that’s real nice. Bring a basket of Josie’s chipotle chicken. Maybe go skinny dippin’ :-)

 

Tink: Karaoke: yes or no?
Casey: Only when it’s warranted. And only if Keefe goes first.

 

Tink: And – most importantly – do you wear boxers, briefs, or commando?
Casey: Usually, I wear boxer-briefs. But summer in West Texas is brutal. Sometimes I choose to go a little commando. I don't think you'll mind my saying so too much ;-)

Certainly not, Casey! As always, thank you for answering Tink’s intrusive question with such charm and ease. Dang, I love that cowboy! Readers, if you would like to know more about Casey Ridge and his hard-to-get cowgirl, Josie, you can find the ebook for just $2.99 at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, and wherever ebooks are sold. Find the audio book at Audible.

Be sure to check back next week for Tink’s final backlist hero and her last Wayback cowboy, Keefe Ridge….

[Authors: In May, I’m opening up the Tink Hump Day feature to guest authors. If you’re interested, please send an email to amber@amberleighwilliams.com with subject line: Tink’s Hump Day Heroes. Thanks!]

5 Stars for BLACKEST HEART!

Fellow romance author and Roses of Prose blogette, Vonnie Davis, has given Blackest Heart 5 Stars on Amazon....

I love stories that showcase the power of love and the hope of a happier life as a couple than either had being single…. Ms. Williams weaves an engaging tale of two complex characters. The passion simmers and, at times, is hotter than a firecracker. Many supporting characters add to the story, but do not intrude--okay, so the older brother was a pain. I cheered when Stella popped him a shot, but then I'm a sucker for a strong heroine. I'm also a sucker for a cowboy with a swagger and a hat hiding part of his face. What a visual Williams describes for us. I can't wait to read more by this talented author.

Read the full review on Amazon. And a huge thank you to Vonnie for the wonderful review!

Readers, Blackest Heart is now available for Kindle readers for $1.50 along with its sequels, Bluest Heart ($2.25) and Bet it on my Heart ($2.50). Find the entire western romance trilogy here on Amazon. Audio book readers can also purchase Blackest Heart in audio now on Amazon here for just $2.95. There’s no telling how long these prices are going to last so don’t miss out!

Sweethearts Giveaway & August Newsletter....

While we keep truckin' on with 30 Days of Promo Goodness today with Vonnie Davis, I'm taking a brief timeout to remind everyone of my standing date with Sweethearts of the West today as well! For those who read my August newsletter, you know that something special is going on at the western grog this month. The ladies of Sweethearts of the West are getting up close and personal and giving away some really great prizes. For those who comment to my Sweethearts post today, you'll be entered to win a western romance of your choice from my backlist (Blackest Heart, Bluest Heart, or Bet it on my Heart) in either ebook or audio. Don't miss out - visit Sweethearts of the West today!

Speaking of my August newsletter, as promised it included a character interview with the playboy of Wayback and hero of Bet it on my Heart, Keefe Ridge! If you aren't a subscriber, no worries! You can access the August newsletter here for a limited time only. If you'd like to see more character interviews like Keefe's, I'm conducting one every month with a different hero or heroine from my backlist. Join the fun by subscribing here at Cozy with the pink button the sidebar! Sign-up only takes a second....

One last thing before we get back to 30 Days of Promo Goodness.... My author website has been updated this month to include bonus material from my backlist on the EXTRAS page. Readers now have access to a free read short story that is a follow-up to Bluest Heart called "Wayback Valentine." Find out what kind of sexy fun Casey and Josie got themselves into for their first Valentine's Day as a couple.... In addition, a deleted scene from Bet it on my Heart is also included in the bonus material, which takes place right after Keefe and Calli's infamous role in the hay! Again, all this can be found on the EXTRAs page at www.amberleighwilliams.com!

Kindle & DigiBooksCafe

Today something exciting is going on at one of The Wild Rose Press's ebook distributors! By buying any title(s) from Digi Books Cafe, you'll be entered in the Summer Hunt for a Kindle. That's right - every purchase at Digi Books enters you for a chance to win a Kindle! There's tons of great titles up for grabs at Digi Books, including Bluest Heart ($3.75) and Bet it on my Heart ($4.00) - as well as some of my personal favorite TWRP authors like Wendi Darlin, Stacey Joy Netzel, and any Wayback, TX series installment.

And speaking of The Wild Rose Press, the web store is up and running again online and, thankfully, none of the buy links have changed. The BOOKS page on my website has now been updated to include Kindle buy links for Blackest Heart and Bluest Heart, which were the only ebooks on my backlist not available in this format until now! Blackest Heart, the first book in the Ridges of Wayback, TX trilogy and 1st Place More Than Magic Novella, is available now from Kindle for just $3.00 while the second and bestselling book in the trilogy, Bluest Heart, is $3.75! Not bad, huh? I'm so glad Kindle readers get to enjoy the trilogy in its entirety. (See the third and final book in the trilogy, Bet it on my Heart, in Kindle here!)

On another happy note, the first two books in the Ridges of Wayback, TX trilogy are now available in audio through Amazon, too! If you prefer audio books to ebooks or paperbacks, buy Blackest Heart and Bluest Heart in audible for just $4.89 at Amazon (both are regularly $7.99). Readers who really love audio books can get one of these titles free at Amazon with an Audible.com 30-day free trial membership....

For a peek into Blackest Heart, the book has been featured by author Jennifer Jakes at Warm Days, Cool Nights and Hot Guys....

More News...

Another update for readers, this one more detailed…. Now that I’m back from vacation! First of all, let me say that as much as I love the family lakehouse, it’s good to be home and back to relative normalcy.

These next two weeks, I’ll be guest blogging. On Friday, June 10th, I’ll be at Icy Snow Blackstone’s blog discussing how legends influence writing. Next Wednesday, June 15th, I’m bringing western romance to Jennifer Jakes’ blog. Stay tuned – I’ll be posting links here as they come.

Thank you to new subscribers to my newsletter! You’ve made my week already!

If you haven’t been to visit The Wild Rose Press’s website, there are some changes being made. Until updates are fully available tomorrow or Wednesday, the site is accessible through http://www.wildrosepress.us. Also – buy links for my TWRP books may be changing. If links from my website to TWRP aren’t working, I’ll be updating those as soon as possible. And if you notice something on my website that isn’t working, feel free to email me at my contact addy: amber@amberleighwilliams.com .

Some good news from The Wild Rose Press – all my TWRP titles will also soon be available in Kindle. As it stands, only two of the four ebooks are currently available for Kindle readers through Amazon.com. Soon Blackest Heart and Bluest Heart should appear on my Amazon Author Central page for Kindle! As soon as they are available, I’ll be sure to make the announcement here!

In this month’s newsletter, subscribers will find out how to send Facebook friends a free audio book gift through my audible publisher AudioLark! If you aren’t a member of my exclusive mailing list, click the pink button on the right sidebar to subscribe. It only takes a few seconds.

Thank you to author Debra Kahn for including my Sweethearts of the West post, “Setting the Scene: The Black Hills” in this weekend’s Debra Kahn Daily.

Free Read: Valentine's Style

I know it's a day early, but I'm gearing up for Cozy's February blog event in celebration of Valentine's in which some of my favorite fellow authors of romance, women's fiction, and erotica answer 20 random Valentine's-related questions with excerpts and prizes! It's an extravaganza you won't want to miss - and that starts tomorrow so be sure to check back in for our first guest!


In the meantime, this time last year the 2nd book in the Ridges of Wayback, Texas trilogy was being released in e-format. Now the beloved characters of Bluest Heart - Casey Ridge and Josie Brusky - are fresh from their audio book debut! During February 2010 at AJ's Notes, they shared their answer to the intriguing question: "What do cowboys give their cowgirls for Valentine's Day?". I thought I'd bring back this free read to celebrate Casey and Josie's one-year anniversary! Enjoy!


Josie Brusky had been on her feet pretty much since dawn. Valentine’s Day made Josie’s Treasures—Wayback, Texas’s solo gift shop—the one-stop place for every cowboy with a sweetheart from a hundred miles around. Now she was finally home and her arches were screaming for some downtime.

As she walked into the house, she kicked off her heels then frowned. The jars of candles around the room were lit. A vase-full of bluebonnets overflowed with fresh blooms on the coffee table. And the scent of something zesty tickled her nostrils. Following the sound of country music, she made her way back toward the kitchen.

Her jaw dropped. Standing at the counter, beer at his elbow, white Stetson pulled low over his eyes, Casey Ridge poured marinade over two thick, juicy-looking steaks.

It wasn’t the fact that the man was cooking that stopped her in her tracks. What astounded her was the fact that he wore a starched, white KISS THE COOK apron…and nothing else but the Stetson and cowboy boots.

Josie clapped a hand over her mouth as a wide grin broke over her face. Thoughts of a good glass of wine and a quick nap flitted out of her head as she stepped across the tile floor.

He turned his head and grinned, dimples digging into his sun-bronzed cheeks and blue eyes gleaming. “Hey there, pretty lady.”

“Well, well.” She shook her head, skimming her eyes from his hat to his boot-clad toes then back up again, enjoying the view. Sliding her hands up his chest and onto his shoulders, she beamed into his face. “You really know how to make a cowgirl happy on Valentine’s.”

He bent his head to kiss her. “Like the apron?”

“I’m thinking about untying it, actually.” She pursed her lips, considering. “You know, I think I’ll dress to match.”

He smirked as she backed away, hand slipping from his. “Wear the red boots.”

She threw a suggestive wink over her shoulder. “You betcha.”

© Amber Leigh Williams


See more of Casey and Josie in Bluest Heart, available now in ebook along with Judd and Stela from Blackest Heart and Keefe and Calli from Bet It On My Heart at The Wild Rose Press. All three books in the Ridges of Wayback, Texas trilogy are also available in audio at AudioLark! 1st Place More Than Magic Novella Blackest Heart is featured in the paperback anthology The Way Back Home!

Update on the Muse (or "Where Art Thou, Tinkerbell?")

So it's a new year and I'm determined to tackle at least two of my unfinished WIPs this month. As many of you know, I'm in the midst of a Regency romance I began writing last spring. I'm also working on my fourth paranormal romance. The holiday season was busier than expected so I didn't reach my goal of a completed contemporary revision but I'm so close it hurts! I'm confident I will have the latter at least done by January 31! *fingers crossed*

As much as I don't believe on waiting for the muse to be present before beginning a writing session, it does help and that fickle little lady in the green dress has been absent for some time. She came back briefly last week to toy with another contemporary premise and to do some light edits on the Regency WIP but hasn't really been seen since. I'm convinced she's gone off with Captain Jack to some desserted tropical island in the Carribean and refuses to come back until the rum has gone. In fact, I heavily suspect her sitting on the other side of the table in the latest POTC: On Stranger Tides trailer. Judge for yourself....



So that's the skinny for those of you who were wondering where I am on the writing front. If any of you pass by a tropical island and happen to see her green-slippered self, be sure to give me a holler. In other news, I have signed on to be a part of fellow TWRP author Sky Purington's Celts and More Blog Event in March. I love Sky's work and Celtic heroes so I'm thrilled to be a part of this. Event dates and more info coming your way soon via the ol' Cozy blog....

Also on the radar is the LoveRomance Cafe "Best of..." Awards! Readers have until January 16th to nominate their favorite titles. If you'd like to vote for Bluest Heart or Bet It on my Heart for "Best Contemporary," visit Dawn's Reading Nook for more details! I also highly encourage you to vote The Wild Rose Press for "Best e-Publisher." I know I will!

This week the winner of the 50 States from 50 Authors guest post will be announced. If you commented, be sure to check back there to see if you won a free audio book version of Blackest Heart!

One Day Sale: Audio Books!

Don't have your copy of the Wayback Ridge Trilogy! No problem! Today is the perfect opportunity to get the entire collection. For one day only, you can get Blackest Heart (1st Place Novella), Bluest Heart, and Bet It On My Heart (LASR Book of the Week) for just $3.49 at AudioLark!

And this week at The Roses of Prose, vote for our new Friday Rose!

Friday Guest Spot & Halloween Costumes

Halloween's coming up fast and today at fellow Wayback author Autumn Jordon's blog AJ's Notes, I'm getting into the spirit with a look into how the supernatural has influenced my stories. To see which of my books features a scene with otherworldly elements, click on over to AJ's Notes. Next week I'll be continuing the October theme with more western romance goodness by giving away an audio book edition of Bluest Heart at the LASR blog!

A month or so ago I started brainstorming for Halloween costume ideas. I've been kicking them around and have come down to two alternatives....


A) The Western Showgirl! Haha, you probably knew I was going to go there. The cute thing about this costume (besides the boots) is that I can dress up my four-legged critters to match!



B) The Indian Maiden! This costume would go with the fringed moccasins my father bought me while my husband and I were on vacation this weekend in northern Alabama! I liked them so much, I wore them to our football tailgate. Here's me and my sister playing Cowgirls and Indians in Auburn!

So, Cozies, I'm going to let you decide this one! I'll round out the tallies on Sunday and announce the winner next week!

BET IT ON MY HEART Audio Debut!

It's here! The final addition to the Wayback Ridge audio collection, Bet It On My Heart! Get it today at AudioLark for just $2.49 before it goes back to its regular $7.99 listing tomorrow....

ANTE UP! Keefe Ridge’s bronc-busting days are nearly over. Despite that and the fact that he is slowly making his dream business venture a reality, Wayback’s wildest cowboy doesn’t see any reason to settle down. He is even willing to bet that marriage isn’t in the cards at all for him.

Agent Calli Morlani came to Wayback on a mission: to bring Stella Ridge back to Hollywood. When Stella refuses, she dares Calli to take in some local color and see what Wayback has to offer. Whether that includes Stella’s devastatingly charming brother becomes irrevelant once Calli finds herself in bed with him – in more ways than one…

Will it take a tough city girl to make the Wayback playboy finally fall long and hard? Or will Keefe give Calli a reason to stay? Place your bet!

To hear an excerpt read by narrator Betsy Navilier, click here....

What People Are Saying About Bet It On My Heart...

Night Owl Romance: Keefe and Calli are two people definitely so opposite from each yet the same in so many ways. They may see from different sides of the world but Wayback has a way of bringing to soul mates together. Amber Leigh did a beautiful job in bringing other characters to life like Stella and Keefe’s brothers. This was definitely a great story and can’t wait for more from this talented author.

Long & Short Reviews: Fantastic writing, sizzling dialogue, and an unforgettable story make Bet It On My Heart a must read. Be sure to pencil this title onto your TBR list for some quality time in the reading chair. I can’t wait for more in this series, as well as anything from the library of Ms. Williams, who has become one of my must read authors. She wrings every single emotion possible from your heart, only to put the pieces back together again with a shiny red bow. It’s an emotional journey that leaves one heck of an impression, which is what every fantastic romance should strive for.

Fallen Angel Reviews: Tempers flare but hearts win out in Bet It on My Heart. Amber Leigh Williams does a fantastic job mixing former characters into this current storyline. They are all loveable and frustrating just like real family members. I enjoyed the chemistry and sexual tension between Calli and Keefe. This is an HEA read you can bet on.

Visit AudioLark to purchase the complete Ridge family saga in audio today, starting with 1st Place Novella Blackest Heart and its antipicated sequel, Bluest Heart!

And if you missed yesterday's exclusive excerpt from Bet It On My Heart at Chatting with Anna Kathryn, be sure to click on over...

BLUEST HEART Audio Debut

Woot! Today the Ridges of Wayback, TX march further into the audio book universe with the debut of Book II, Bluest Heart, at AudioLark....

The Wayback bachelor is a dying breed, but that doesn’t stop Casey Ridge from wanting to settle down. For this cowboy anyone but Josie Brusky would be an easy wrangle. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Bug singer and owner of Josie’s Treasures doesn’t believe in commitment much less marriage.

Years ago, Josie lost her heart to Casey’s charm and dimpled smile. Since then she has done everything she knows to forget him. After all, she’s known as the local harlot and the daughter of the town’s biggest bigot. Casey could have any girl he wanted. Why would he saddle himself with her? In the wake of a shattering past, she refuses to give up her independence.

Hear an excerpt read by narrator Paige Holt here...

What People Are Saying About Bluest Heart...

Bluest Heart is a romance that inspires feel-good tingles in all the right places. Author Amber Leigh Williams has created a story with characters readers are bound to adore and remember. What a fantastic story! Ms. Williams managed to snare my heart and wretch every bit of emotion possible from it. tightly written and hits the emotions like a freight train. Cowboy fans will love Bluest Heart, and if they are anything like me, will make a direct trip to The Wild Rose Press to purchase the preceding story, Blackest Heart. Don’t miss out on this one, folks. You get romance, heartache, and a whole lot of making up for lost time. —Long & Short Reviews

I recently read Amber Leigh Williams's Bluest Heart and highly recommend it along with her previous novella in the Wayback series, Blackest Heart. - Crystal-Rain Love, author of Guardian Cowboy and Blood Curse

Good news - today only, Bluest Heart is available from AudioLark for just $2.49 as part of their Debut Tuesday special! After that, it'll return to its $7.99 cover price. Click here to take advantage of this offer at AudiLark or to purchase Book II in the Wayback Ridge Trilogy, Blackest Heart (1st Place Novella)!

(And stay tuned for Book III in the Ridge family saga, Bet It On My Heart, which launches in audio at AudioLark next week!)

Launch News...

Tomorrow Bluest Heart follows prequel Blackest Heart into audio book at AudioLark! To celebrate, I'll be at GCC pal Casey Crow's new site breaking down small gestures that mean big in romance. Join the discussion!

And as far as cover goodness goes, I think this takes the cake! Thank you, AudioLark, for making my day!

The Ridges Go Audible

The latest news off The Wild Rose Press news reel is that the Wayback Ridge Trilogy will be published as audio books by Audio Lark! On September 7, Blackest Heart (1st Place More Than Magic Novella) will debut as an audible, followed by Bluest Heart on September 14, and Bet It On My Heart on September 21.

I love audio books and can't wait until September! In fact, this feels like a good excuse to bring out my fun interview with the Ridges, originally posted over at The Roses of Prose. Enjoy!

ALW: Hi readers! We’re super-excited to be conducting our first character interview from my most recent release, Bet It On My Heart, here this week. Right, Keefe?

Keefe: *props booted feet on tabletop and crosses arms over chest, making himself cozy* You bet. It’s nice to sit down with pretty ladies after a hard day’s work on the ranch. *winks*

Calli: Ahem!

Keefe: *jerks, straightens* Hey, baby! When did you get here?

Calli: *sweeps his boots off the table* Just stopped by to remind you to behave yourself, cowpoke. *leans down to kiss him, fighting a smile* Sorry, I can’t stay, readers. I did bring reinforcements, though.

Casey: *cracks open a beer, sits next to Keefe* Hey, big brother!

Keefe: Ah, hell.

Stella: *smirks, takes off her Stetson* We so weren’t gonna miss this. It’s not everyday the playboy of Wayback gets a good grillin’

Keefe: *looks beseechingly to Calli* Where are you going? Can I come?

Calli: *laughs* I’ll be back later. If you’re good, I’ll give you a treat.

Casey: *cough, cough*

Stella: TMI!

Keefe: *grins* Carry on.

ALW: Alrighty then. Your story is the third in the Ridge family trilogy, which some found surprising, considering that you are the oldest of the bunch.

Stella: Mine and Judd’s story came first because we all know I’m the most mature.

Keefe & Casey: Yeah, right!

Casey: I would’ve settled down first if Josie hadn’t dug in her heels.

Josie: *from another room* I HEARD THAT!

Casey: YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU, BABY!

Keefe: *cough* Whipped! *cough, cough*

Stella: *intervenes as Casey makes a swipe for Keefe* Thank you for proving my point, boys.

ALW: Ahem. Anyway. In Stella and Casey’s stories, you made it clear, Keefe, that you weren’t the marrying kind of man. What changed?

Casey: A Yankee.

Keefe: *glares at his brother* Hey, I think her accent’s sexy as hell.

ALW: Stella, Calli is a longtime friend of yours. What do you think attracted Keefe to her?

Stella: I’d just like to say, for the record, I knew all along that these two were going to end up together.

Keefe & Casey: Yeah, right!

Stella: *rolls her eyes* It’s like two parrots. And I was the one who dared Calli to stay in Wayback for two weeks. She and Keefe hit it off right away.

Keefe: You said it: two weeks. It wasn’t supposed to be anything more than a temporary fling.

Calli: *from another room* Hey, cowpoke, I haven’t left yet!

Keefe: *cringes* I LOVE YOU!

Casey: *makes whipping motion* WHA-POW!

ALW: *raises her hands before Keefe and Casey have a chance to throw down* All right, already! I think we saw enough brawling in Stella’s story.

Casey: I had nothing to do with that.

Keefe: Because Judd and I are the only ones man enough to take a fist in the face.

Stella: If by man you mean caveman, then for once you’d be right.

ALW: Here’s a thought: how ‘bout I ask questions and you answer them like civilized adults.

Keefe, Casey, Stella: *look dubiously at one another* Nah.

ALW: *sighs* See what I have to deal with, readers? Stella, would it be too much for you to succinctly answer my previous question?

Stella: *flips long, blonde hair over her shoulder* Well, for starters, Calli’s a real ball-buster.

Keefe: *chokes on a swallow of beer*

Calli: *laughs uproariously from the other room* Thanks, Stell!

Keefe: *frowns* Seriously, when is she leaving?

Stella: Notice he doesn’t deny it.

Casey: *nods* Keefe was all about brainless bombshells before Calli knocked him on his ass. He’d never come across a woman of substance before.

Calli: Aw, Case! I could kiss you!

Casey: Anytime, honey.

Keefe: *glares* [CENSORED]

ALW: I apologize, ladies. I am now considering killing him off in an unforeseen sequel.

Keefe: *sets down his beer* Ah, come on, sweetheart. You know you love me.

ALW: No comment.

Casey: Hey, by the way, which one of us is your favorite?

Stella: *leans forward* It’s me, right? I was first.

Casey: Nah, it’s me. She told all those interviewers I was the charming one.

Keefe: *winks* And she told them I’m…what was it? “The quintessential cowboy?” And she loves her cowboys.

ALW: I will NOT answer that question.

Judd: *enters, grins at ALW* Hey. Sorry I’m late.

ALW: *blushes red, simpers* Glad you could join us!

Keefe & Casey: *faces falling* HIM?

Judd: *loops thumbs in belt loops, leans back against the wall, looks smug*

Casey: Don’t you love me anymore?

ALW: I love all of you!

Keefe: What’s so great about Judd?

ALW: *shrugs* Perhaps because he doesn’t talk back or interrupt. And everybody loves a silent cowboy. *flutters her lashes*

Keefe & Casey: *groan, mutter*

Stella: *meets Judd’s smoldering gaze, props her chin in hand and smiles* I’m the one who gets to take him home.

Casey: Er, ew.

Keefe: Now wait a minute. Judd may not know how to dish it out—

Judd: Hey, cowpoke. Eat me.

Stella: Oh, I love it when you talk dirty.

ALW: Yes. Please keep going.

Casey: This must be what an embolism feels like.

Keefe: Ahem. As I was saying, all the ladies might think Judd’s the cute, cuddly one—

Judd: 1st Place More Than Magic Novella.

Keefe: Best Book of the Week at LASR. Voted by the readers, my man.

ALW: Get to the point.

Keefe: Yeah, Judd, aren’t you supposed to be silent?

Casey: I don’t think he has a point.

Keefe: I’m getting to it. Judd may be loveable and Casey may be the charming do-gooder boy or whatever, but I’m the only hero who made the big, sweeping, romantic gesture. I got down on my knees and begged.

Stella: And you think that’s good for your image?

Keefe: It makes me more a hero than either of them.

Calli: He has a point!

ALW: Yes, surprisingly, he does.

Judd & Casey: Hey!

ALW: *gulps* I think we’ve taken up enough of the readers' time. Thanks again for having us. And so sorry about the expletives.

Keefe: *smirks* I’ll make sure Calli gives me a good whippin’.

Calli: *cackles* Yeah, you bet, readers!

Casey: Oh, for crying out loud!

ALW: *raises voice to cut them off* If you’d like to find out more about the Ridge family saga, visit them on the web! You can purchase all three novellas now at The Wild Rose Press: Blackest Heart (Stella & Judd’s story) for $3.00; Bluest Heart (Casey & Josie’s story) for $3.75; and Bet It On My Heart (Keefe & Calli’s story) for $4.00! You can get the whole trilogy for just $10.75! And you can also now own Blackest Heart in paperback in the Wayback anthology The Way Back Home!

THE WAY BACK HOME 40% discount for July!

Now is the time to purchase The Way Back Home if you haven't already! This Wayback, Texas anthology featuring novellas from the The Wild Rose Press fan-favorite series - Delighting Miss Daisy by Abbey MacInnis, Return of the Prodigal Daughter by Marguerite Arotin, and Blackest Heart by Amber Leigh Williams - available only in paperback is 40% off through the month of July at TWRP!

Blackest Heart, the final novella in The Way Back Home anthology and the first story in the Wayback Ridge trilogy, placed 1st in the 2009 More Than Magic Contest and stars sexy, silent cowboy Judd Black. Here's what people are saying about Judd and Blackest Heart...

This story is absolute perfection! From the beautiful setting to the well thought out plot to one of the sexiest heroes I've had the pleasure to read in a long time. I loved everything about this story. My only complaint is that it was too short...I wanted it to go on and on! And I'll never be able to hear that silly phrase "I tapped that" without laughing myself sick. Sexy, funny, and wonderfully heartwarming, Blackest Heart is a definite keeper. And the best part? There's two more stories in this incredible series featuring Stella's yummy brothers!!
- Donna Marie Rogers, Author of Meant To Be and Golden Opportunity

I'm not a great Western/ cowboy fan myself but this story went a long way towards converting me. Ms Williams has a good writing style; polished and confident, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Definitely recommended.
—Writers & Readers of Distinctive Fiction

In this touching contemporary story, when a young actress returns home following a car accident that has left her scarred she finds healing and love in the arms of a quiet cowboy… Blackest Heart is a wonderful story with characters that will touch the heart and I for one am glad I got the chance to read it.
—Long and Short Reviews

The tensions and conflicts with others made the couple seem even more real. The sensuality was super charged and dynamic. I could not put this book down. It was mesmerizing to read. I truly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to everyone.
—The Romance Studio

Stella Ridge discovers that home sweet home and the arms of a strong, quiet cowboy are just what she needs to get her life and heart going again in Amber Leigh Williams's fantastic Wayback tale- Blackest Heart. With a wonderful cast of supporting characters, including Stella's adorable brothers, Stella and Judd will warm your heart and make you believe in the wonder of sweet homecomings.

—Marguerite Arotin, author of One Enchanted Summer and Return of the Prodigal Daughter

Purchase The Way Back Home and enjoy three hot cowboys in one book for 40% off before August 1st or buy Blackest Heart for just $3.00 at The Wild Rose Press. Book II, Bluest Heart, in the Wayback Ridge trilogy is available now for $3.75 and Book III, Bet It On My Heart, is on sale for $4.00 at The Wild Rose Press!

To read a fun character interview featuring Judd and heros from Book II and III, click here!

ALW Titles 20% at Digi Books Cafe!

If you haven't bought your copy of Bluest Heart or Bet It On My Heart, here's your chance! At Digi Books Cafe, all TWRP titles are on sale. Books II and III of the Wayback Ridge trilogy are available from this new ebook distributor. Buy Bluest Heart for just $3.00 and Bet It On My Heart for $3.20! Be sure to take advantage of this 20% off offer now because it won't last forever. Click here to visit Digi Books. (Pst! If you create an account, you'll get an additional 20% coupon!)

Blackest Heart, Book I of the Wayback Ridge trilogy, is available at The Wild Rose Press, for $3.00. This novella (with the help of its sexy, silent cowboy hero, Judd Black) placed 1st in the 2009 More Than Magic Contest's Novella category. Bet It On My Heart was voted Best Book of the Week by readers at Long & Short Reviews.

To read a hysterical character interview based on this series, click here! For a hot excerpt mashup from all three book, click here!

Launch Day Dive: BET IT ON MY HEART

Title: Bet It On My Heart
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Will Be Available In: Ebook


Series: Wayback, TX - Book III in the Ridge family trilogy

Cover Artist: Tamra Westberry


Blurb:

ANTE UP!

Keefe Ridge's bronc-busting days are nearly over. Despite that and the fact that he is slowly making his dream business venture a reality, Wayback's wildest cowboy doesn't see any reason to settle down. He is even willing to bet that marriage isn't in the cards at all for him.
Agent Calli Morlani came to Wayback on a mission: to bring Stella Ridge back to Hollywood. When Stella refuses, she dares Calli to take in some local color and see what Wayback has to offer. Whether that includes Stella's devastatingly charming brother becomes irrevelant once Calli finds herself in bed with him - in more ways than one…
Will it take a tough city girl to make the Wayback playboy finally fall long and hard? Or will Keefe give Calli a reason to stay? Place your bet!

Concept: For this final edition in the Ridge saga, I wanted to mix thing up. First of all, it was going to take a very wise and take-charge woman to tame the wild Ridge beast in the oldest Ridge brother, Keefe. In both Book I (Blackest Heart) and Book II (Bluest Heart), the hero is a cowboy and the heroine is a cowgirl. For Bet It On My Heart, however, I decided to bring in an outsider. Not just to knock Keefe off his pedestal - I wanted to show western life through the eyes of an urban character. You can't get anymore city than Calli Morlani. Born and raised in the heart of NYC, the daughter of an Italian chef and a Jewish barber, Calli moved to Hollywood to get into the talent business. When we first meet her in Bet It On My Heart, she's a successful agent and is coming down to Texas to talk former client and friend, Stella Ridge (heroine of Blackest Heart), into coming back to LA. Those who read Blackest Heart may recognize her ambiguous role in the opening scene of Book I:

"Stella, I understand you need some TLC. No one’s going blame you for one second. But let’s be serious here, sweetie. Texas?"

Stella Ridge rolled her eyes as she strolled through the bustling airport toward the nearest exit, suitcase rolling noisily behind her. She’d known how her agent would react to the news of her impulsive departure. "It’s home, Cal. Just because I abandoned it doesn’t mean it’s fallen off the map."

"Is it really even on a map?"

Stella bit back a retort, exasperation edging her words. "Sure it is. It’s not that far outside Abilene."

"Who’s Abilene?"

She sighed. "I’m going to have to let you go. I’ve got to rent a car."

"Listen to reason, sweetie." Cal’s voice sounded urgent over Stella’s phone. "If you walk out of that airport, you’ll be making a huge mistake."

"This is something I need to do. Please understand."

"I have a fantastic idea! Why not hop on the next flight out to Fiji? You can spend a month at that resort you love so much."

"I don’t want Fiji. I want home. I want family."

"There are plenty of resorts back here in LA. You haven’t seen that dusty town in almost two decades. This is your home. Your family’s here. What about me? I’m your family, Stella."

"Be careful, Cal," she said in the sultry voice that had sold millions at the box office. "You’re very nearly whining."

"Remember that script you love? They want you for the part."

"You’re bluffing," she said, spying the car rental sign up ahead. "Hanging up now."

Cal huffed out a frustrated breath. "You’re taking the coward’s way out. What’s so great about Wayback, Texas?"

"It’s normal." She ended the call before Cal could reply.

Little did I know, this conversation would echo through Book III....
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Hero: Keefe Ridge

Hero Occupation: Ridge Range ranch hand/cattle driver, heir to Ridge Range, retiring bronc rider

Hero Description:

The cowboy told the host about his ride, hands planted on his hips, feet spread in a confident stance. The smile on his face was sly and smooth, the lines of it fit to charm any filly of his picking. He had a great face, a marketable build and body. Too bad he’d chosen the dusty arena over fame and fortune.

Hero Stunt Double: Timothy Olyphant

Hero's Greatest Strength: His protective instincts surrounding his family, home, and business. (Blackest Heart fans might remember how well his rival Judd's relationship with Stella went down with big brother Keefe. For those who don't know, fists were thrown and noses were broken.) He also has a surprising streak of decency, which introduces itself in a scene with Calli in Bet It On My Heart.

Hero's Greatest Weakness: His long string of casual relationships has made his already independent streak a mile wider. When his relationship with Calli takes a more serious turn, he turns broody.

Hero's Astrological Sign: Aries (This sign is: Aries likes to be first in everything! A natural-born leader, the fearless Ram is able to get things going in an instant and is willing to try anything, although this sign sometimes takes on more than can be accomplished.... Dynamic and energetic, and they have to constantly keep busy. They are also a very charismatic sign, with the ability to easily attract others with their personal magnetism.)

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Heroine: Calli Morlani

Heroine Occupation: talent agent (One of my favorite aspects of writing Bet It On My Heart was watching Calli not just fall in love with Wayback but find her niche in the dusty, podunk town. Calli's not the type of woman to settle into the housewife role. It was fun rolling that into a fitting conclusion for both her and a returning secondary character.)

Hero Description:

She looked so out of place in the rustic setting, she might’ve wandered out of an alternate universe. Her toothpick heels sunk into the sod. He raked his eyes over shapely calves left bare by a knee-length skirt. She carried a matching jacket and had already sweated through the thin, almost translucent tank underneath. Perspiration shined on her face, arms, and shoulders. Her eyes were dark, deep and irritable. He was instantly intrigued.

Heroine Stunt Double: Marissa Tomei - Calli was inspired by this actress's role as Ashley Judd's friend in Someone Like You. You might even recognize a few turns of phrase. ("Mazol tov!")

Heroine's Greatest Strength: Calli's strength is just that: her strength! She's a strong, working woman who's paved her own way and can go toe-to-toe with any man in the business world. What's interesting about matching her up with a man as strong-willed as our cowboy, Keefe, is seeing how she goes toe-to-toe with one in a fiery relationship.

Heroine's Greatest Weakness: Her preconceptions about simple country life. She almost has an elitest view of Wayback. I loved how all those stereotypical views were slowly broken down as her feelings for Keefe progress.

Heroine's Astrological Sign: Gemini (This sign is: Mentally gifted and very intellectually inclined. Very well informed; they always try to gather as much information as they can, which in turn helps them to more easily adapt to any situation. Quick-witted and very smart, quickly become the center of attention in any gathering. At the same time, Gemini can be very moody.)

_________________________

What Sets This Book Apart: The cityslicker comes down to Texas and fumbles her way through two weeks of western life. Also the playboy meets his match and ends up falling long and hard!

Favorite Scene: There are so many moments that were entertaining to write. I think my favorite, though, is Calli's first trip to the Blue Bug Saloon. (Read a clip below in yesterday's post.)

Familiar Cameos:
Judd Black
Stella Ridge Black
Casey Ridge
Josie Brusky Ridge
Leland Ridge
Nuala
Jake Serrano
Sherrie Porter Serrano
Teensy Belle Griffin
Sam Howard
Daisy Porter Howard
Katherine Holloway
Max Porter

Be the first to read Keefe and Calli's story today at The Wild Rose Press! See the launch of the book trailer below....

Book Dive #4 cont... BLUEST HEART + Blog Tour Dates

Here's a never-before-seen peek into Bluest Heart:

She drove without any idea where to go. That subtle scent of his filled her Jeep, making her dizzy. If she’d had a lick of sense, she could roll down the window and let the muggy air staunch it out.

She took a long drag and held the scent in her lungs. Warmth crawled up her torso. God, she wanted him.

Gravel spit under her tires as she jerked the wheel and turned into the rodeo arena parking lot.

"Whoa!" he yelled, gripping the roll bar over his head as the Jeep veered into the grass toward the picnic area. "Where the hell are you going?"

She braked hard under a tree and ground the shift into park. Unbuckling her seatbelt, she wrested it aside and crawled over the console into his lap, mouth seeking his. Her kiss swallowed his sound of surprise. She couldn’t think. Until the burn he’d lit inside her died out, she just had to kiss him.

It only spread. She deepened the kiss, urgently stroking his tongue with hers. His taste was rare, lovely. Who needed whiskey when you could have Casey Ridge? Her hands snuck under his shirt, stroking the hard muscles over his abdomen. She thrilled in his shiver as her nails trailed teasingly over his chest.

He didn’t fight her. Arms winding around her, he pulled her tight against him. His mouth moved under hers, challenging, daring. She shifted, her boots knocking against the confines of the dash until she straddled him and ground her hips into his. His head dropped back against the headrest on a groan. Managing to push his shirt up over his stomach, she fumbled with the snap of his jeans.

"Whoa," he said again, this time breathlessly, turning his mouth away from hers. "Whoa, wait a minute."

"Shut up and kiss me," she hissed, arching into him again. "Touch me." "Not here, Jos," he said, gripping her wrists. "I won’t do it here."

She jerked out of his hands and pushed her hair from her face, frustrated. "Why the hell not?"

"I’m not going to do it here in the car," he ex-plained. "That’s no way to treat a lady."

"I’m no lady," she retorted.

His eyes softened and his hand lifted to touch her face. "Yeah, you are. You just don’t want people to know it."

"Oh, but you do," she said sourly.

"I know you," he assured her. He said it the same way he’d spoken earlier. Her heart cried out for that softness, that promise of tender love and care.

Unable to stand how weak it made her feel, she licked her lips, tasting him there. He wasn’t going to get away from her this time. She’d cry if he did, and she never cried. Hand trailing down between them, she gripped the insistent bulge under the fly of his jeans. "So where do you take all your ladies, Casey?"

He blew out a breath, a groan stirring deep in his throat. "I’m driving."

BLUEST HEART (c) Amber Leigh Williams

Purchase Bluest Heart and the first book in the Ridge family saga, Blackest Heart, at The Wild Rose Press. Get the Blues now for just $3.75. Get to know the Ridges from the beginning with 1st Place More Than Magic Novella Blackest Heart for only $3.00 (also on sale now in paperback)! Scroll down for more from both and stay tuned tomorrow for a dive into Book III, Bet It On My Heart!

The Bet It On My Heart vid will air here at Cozy on March 2, followed by release day on March 3. Here are some tour dates:

March 3 - The Wild Rose Press Blog

March 3 - Coffee House Author Blog

March 4 - Virtual Romance Blog

March 10 - Paty Jager Blog

March 11 - Rachel Brimble Blog

March 18 - Southern Sizzlers Blog

Book Dive #4: BLUEST HEART

Title: Bluest Heart
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: January 2010
Available In: Ebook



Series Note: This is another addition to TWRP's Wayback, TX continuation series. It is also Book II in the Wayback Ridge trilogy. More than a year after Blackest Heart's release, anticipated sequel Bluest Heart was launched. (Thankfully, readers won't have to wait as long for Book III!)

Heat Rating: This is the first time my published titles shifted from "spicy" to "hot." Probably because of some early "action" between the h/h. Book III, Bet It On My Heart, also received a "hot" label. (On TWRP's rating scale, stories that are more than "hot" are sold on their erotica site, The WILDER Rose Press.)



Original Title: I wanted to continue the "Heart" theme. The funny thing I discovered about these titles is that although the trilogy is centered around the Ridge family, Blackest Heart is named for hero, Judd Black, instead of Ridge daughter, heroine Stella. In turn, Bluest Heart is named for heroine Josie Brusky instead of hero Casey Ridge, one of Stella's lovable brothers. Originally, I wanted this book to be called "Heart of Stone" because of Josie's tough shell. But this title was already taken. I bounced ideas off of writing friends and approached my editor with "Heart So Blue." She came back with Bluest Heart. It's as fitting as Judd's Blackest Heart because though it may seem Josie as a "Heart of Stone", it's because of her rough past and her inability to put her trust in anyone's hands, even cowboy sweetheart Casey.


Why A Sequel? I didn't plan telling Casey and Keefe's stories. In truth, I didn't know if western romance was a genre I would want to explore. But I loved writing Blackest Heart and after a helpful push from a CP, who wanted secondary character Casey at least to find love, I took the trilogy plunge. Although the Wayback line is ending and there are no more Ridge family stories to tell, I know for certain that I will be venturing west again for another family saga. (I actually have two trilogies in the works - one contemporary, one paranormal - as well as a single-title historical western, a tie-in to stories written by some familiar faces around here: Marguerite Arotin and Abbey MacInnis.)



Cover Artist: Tamra Westberry



Awards: Nominated "Best Book of the Week" by LASR
_________________________________



Hero: Casey Ridge



Hero Occupation: Ridge Range ranch hand/cattle driver (second in line to inherit) and prize-winning rodeo calf-roper



Hero Description:

She smelled beer on him, too, but it didn’t overwhelm the scent of his subtle aftershave. The low-key aroma drove her crazy. Like a dog sniffing another in heat, she was immediately aroused. Worse, he was grinning at her. The dimple in his chin deepened and the laugh lines dipped into his cheeks. Her heart pattered eagerly. He’d let his hair grow out, like he used to. Needle straight, the hay-colored strands fingered his eyelids. His face and torso were the same tan hue. Honey-toned, she’d thought so long ago when she’d gotten a gander under his button-up shirt and faded Levi’s.

This Ridge boy’s single purpose was to drive her into lusty insanity. She could look all she wanted but to break down and touch him again…there would be no turning back from that.

Hero's Stunt Double: Gabriel Macht. A while back, there was a movie called American Outlaws, based on Jesse James' posse. Gabriel played James' (Colin Farrell) brother, Frank. It isn't hard to imagine this cutie as a cowboy hero after watching this western. Gabriel also has a "nice guy" quality that has followed him through his movie roles. (Anybody remember his turn as Mandy Moore's hero, Johnny, in Because I Said So? It's also not difficult to measure Gabriel up to Casey's working man physicality after seeing him masquerade as a superhero in The Spirit.)



Hero's Greatest Strength: Casey's a "good boy" but - like sister Stella - when it comes to wanting something, he works until he gets it. He's been waiting for Josie for a decade so needless to say he doesn't give up on anything. And he always gives one-hundred percent, no matter how long it takes.



Hero's Greatest Weakness: This one was hard. Casey isn't perfect, but he's so noble and lovable, it's hard to find a fault in him. Most of all, I think Josie is his weakness. She stretches his patience (and no wonder, after ten years of convincing). When it comes to family dynamics, he craves peace, which is why he usually winds up mediating between more drama-oriented siblings, Keefe and Stella.



Hero's Astrological Sign: Libra (This sign is: Charming with a great love of beauty and harmony.... Know how to appreciate the various pleasures of life, and they are naturally kind. Because they are even-tempered, they can be very social and diplomatic, and they are the most empathetic of all the signs... Everlasting search for balance... Loathe the conflicts in life... The ultimate team players, always functioning better when they are paired up.)
________________________

Heroine Name: Josie Brusky

Heroine Occupation: Honky-tonk singer, owner of Josie's Treasures - Wayback's gift shop, barrel racing rodeo competitor

Heroine Description:

Her curly, red hair spilled out of the back of the hat. He could just make out the flash of her whiskey-colored, bedroom eyes and the trademark mole at the base of her left cheek. The crowd loved her. So did the spotlight. She might not have had the strongest voice, but it was pretty enough. The song choice was perfect, plenty of attitude. That was Josie, all right.

Heroine Stunt Double: Rachel McAdams. Plenty of attitude as well as vulnerability, which fits Josie to a T.

Heroine's Greatest Strength: Her ability to adapt. Josie's led a hard life and yet she's managed to jump hurtle after hurtle. The thing I admire most about her is that she rises above rumors of her "bad girl" behavior. Small town gossips are the harshest and though it may hinder some aspects of her life, she's not afraid to be who she is. One of my favorite aspects of her relationship with Casey is that he is the one man she refuses to go to be with. She refuses to lead him on because he's the only one she cares deeply about. It's her acknowledgment that he deserves better.

Heroine's Greatest Weakness: Repels weakness. To her, Casey Ridge is a weakness because she has trouble resisting him. Though she has no doubt he's the one man she can trust with her heart, she's lived with barriers so long she doesn't know how to open herself to him completely. Although she rises above those who spurn her past life, she doubts her own worth, which is another reason she steers clear of Casey. To her, he's everything that is good while she is the opposite. Feels as if the only way she can be strong is by striving for independence.

Heroine's Astrological Sign: Pisces (This sign is: Able to adapt emotionally to any environment. Their symbol is a pair of fishes, one swimming above the other in the opposite direction. Likewise, they possess some duality in their personalities. On the one hand, they can be kind, compassionate, sensitive, and very understanding, but like to keep their true emotions under wraps, placing great focus on their inner journey. Pisceans are very easy-going and would rather wait for their problems to sort themselves out than face them.)

____________________________

What Sets This Book Apart: It's the good boy versus the bad girl, which offers entertainment for readers. The thing I didn't expect was the healing arc, the same from its prequel, Blackest Heart. It's also the inner journey of Josie discovering her own worth and breaking through her own armor to accept an honorable man in her life.

Favorite Scene: The first time Casey tells Josie he loves her. The scene is the third act dark moment of the plot and it is simultaneously heartbreaking and inevitable. When picking favorites, I'm all for the light-hearted moments (and when Casey turns on the charm, there are plenty of them) and usually steer clear of the sadder parts of the story. But something about both Casey and Josie in this scene latched onto my heart.

Blurb:

The Wayback bachelor is a dying breed, but that doesn't stop Casey Ridge from wanting to settle down. For this cowboy anyone but Josie Brusky would be an easy wrangle. Unfortunately for him, the Blue Bug singer and owner of Josie's Treasures doesn't believe in commitment much less marriage.
Years ago, Josie lost her heart to Casey's charm and dimpled smile. Since then she has done everything she knows to forget him. After all, she’s known as the local harlot and the daughter of the town’s biggest bigot. Casey could have any girl he wanted. Why would he saddle himself with her? In the wake of a shattering past, she refuses to give up her independence.
Casey digs down deep to win her over, but does he have what it takes to win Wayback's bluest heart?

What People Are Saying:

Bluest Heart is a romance that inspires feel-good tingles in all the right places. Author Amber Leigh Williams has created a story with characters readers are bound to adore and remember. What a fantastic story! Ms. Williams managed to snare my heart and wretch every bit of emotion possible from it. Tightly written and hits the emotions like a freight train. Cowboy fans will love Bluest Heart, and if they are anything like me, will make a direct trip to The Wild Rose Press to purchase the preceding story, Blackest Heart. Don’t miss out on this one, folks. You get romance, heartache, and a whole lot of making up for lost time.- Long & Short Reviews

I recently read Amber Leigh Williams's Bluest Heart and highly recommend it along with her previous novella in the Wayback series, Blackest Heart.
- Author Crystal-Rain Love