Cowboy Lovin' Day 15: Marguerite Arotin

It's the second day of The Way Back Home anthology's special event. Today we have guest author of the Wayback series title Return of the Prodigal Daughter, the 2nd story featured in The Way Back Home. Marguerite Arotin goes in-depth with her cowboy hero, Jake Serrano, just for us here at The Cozy Page...

When my friend and fellow author Abbey MacInnis told me all about our publisher’s Wayback series and the idea she had about us writing stories with sister heroines, I think I knew automatically that I wanted my hero to be a rodeo clown. That is my ultimate idea of bravery and not to mention, sexiness. I mean who wouldn’t totally crush on a cowboy who puts himself in the line of fire to protect other cowboys? I thought it would be fun to interview my hero for the fictional Texas town’s newspaper. Of course, I interviewed him close to the start of my story- Return of the Prodigal Daughter, because I wanted to get his thoughts on how he felt when the love of his life, Sherrie Serrano, came home to Wayback after her Malibu home went up in smoke.

Jake’s Interview for The Wayback Journal

Howdy all, today I had the privilege of interviewing Jake Serrano, also known to the townsfolk of Wayback as our favorite Rodeo Clown, Colt. Now he might have been a little hush-hush when it came to his personal life and a certain blonde super-model who came back into his life and turned his life upside down, but he was willing share his love of the rodeo and some of his tricks for wowing the crowd while still protecting our participating cowboys.

Marguerite: The first thing I wanted to ask is why do you work as rodeo clown? Why do you feel it’s necessary to risk your life like that?

Jake: It’s not just the adrenaline rush. I genuinely like doing my part in the rodeo, staring down a bull and luring him away from a cowboy who’s down. I guess it all comes down to how I raised. My Pa and grandma told me you gotta use your God-given talents to help others’ in this world. I was played defense on the football team in high school because I was fast and I liked protecting the other players on the team. When I left for Hollywood after graduation, I went right to work as a stuntman to keep the actors out of harm’s way. Guess I that was my first real big dream when I was a kid, because I used to watch “The Fall Guy” and I wanted to be just like Colt, always saving the day.

Marguerite: You just brought up Hollywood. I understand the young lady you left town has returned to Wayback. How does that make you feel?

Jake: I don’t want to talk about Sherrie right now Mam’. We parted ways and oh … (He rubs the back of his neck as his cheeks turn scarlet) Maybe I was an idiot for walking on out her and I’ve apologized for that. Now, no more talking about my personal life. I thought you wanted to know about the rodeo and my job.

Marguerite: Sorry. Okay, I guess I can understand how the issue of Sherrie is touchy for you. So tell me more about how you became a rodeo clown?

Jake: I ran into an old friend when I came back home who’d been clowning on the rodeo circuit for a few years. I knew I could help out at my family’s property, Sombrero Farms, and I did have a part-time night job working as a bouncer for Maizie at the Cue Ball Pool Hall and Laundromat, but I wanted to do something a little bit more … well … exciting. So I followed my friend back to a clown training camp in Denver and I trained there for a few months, working the occasional small 4-H rodeo and one large semi-regional championship. When I thought I was ready to come home and work Wayback’s rodeo, they hired me on the spot and I’ve been working for the local rodeo ever since. (He smiles and reveals his dimples, which I’m sure always charms the local cow girls) I love it. May through November is my favorite time of year.

Marguerite: I also understand you help out at the farm from time to time when you’re grandmother has school kids at her restaurant. Is this correct?

Jake: You betcha. I make balloon animals, do a little juggling, or some of the stunts I do to entertain the crowd during the rodeo intermissions.

Marguerite: So you love kids, you’re a very adorable daredevil, I can’t imagine why any cow girl hasn’t snatched you up yet. Is there a special lady in your life?

Jake: There will only be one special lady in my life and I’m working to try and make up with her now.

Marguerite: Could that be Sherrie?

Jake: No comment.

I thanked Jake for the interview and hoped he could patch things up with Sherrie. After all, even a brave rodeo clown needs a strong woman behind him.

An excerpt from Return of the Prodigal Daughter available in e-book and in the print Anthology- The Way Back Home from http://www.thewildrosepress.com

Jake stood alone with Sherrie. The bank was closed for the night. Downtown Wayback was still and quiet. The first tones of a fiery sunset colored the horizon and he supposed most people were settling into their homes for dinner. He should have left after depositing his paycheck at the bank ATM. He should be at home now too, relaxing on the couch with a cold beer and a cold slice of pizza. Instead, he stared into that soft blue gaze he missed so much, wanting to find the right words to say Sherrie.
“I’m sorry,” he blurted out, figuring that would be a good start. “I’m sorry about the way I left. I’m sorry for ... hell a lot of things.”
Sherrie shrugged and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sorry’s a good start. Suppose I can forgive you.”
“Why? Why’d you come back? We both know you belong in California. Your career was taking off. You wanted that big house on the beach.”
She lowered her gaze to the sidewalk and kicked the front wheel of her SUV. “I don’t have a career no more. I had the big house on the beach and lost it. God, I don’t know if I should tell you any more. I don’t know if I could trust you after—”
“After what? I told you I was sorry.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Sherrie, it’s me, the man you used to confide all your hopes and dreams in. I never told anyone about how were so nervous during your first fashion show that you nearly tripped on the runway. You can trust me, darling.”
Sighing, she removed her left hand from her jeans pocket and Jake noticed the black leather glove covering it. She removed the glove, revealing a swollen, red hand.
“Jesus, what happened?”
“A wildfire took my house, scarred my hand and arm, ruined any chance of strutting my stuff on the runway again, or sitting pretty for the camera. All I have left is my family. So, I came home.”
“Sherrie ... I ... Heck, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I don’t need your sympathy. You didn’t start the fire. I was stupid enough to try to grab my family photos and now I’m paying the price.” She raised her head to meet his gaze. “Your mama dropped by to see me while I was in the hospital.”
“Oh.” Jake hadn’t seen his mama in three years. Pa told him when she ran out that trying to hold on to Mama was like trying to catch a shooting star, which is exactly how he felt about Sherrie too. He knew she was in Wayback now, but he was sure his shooting star would fly off to the next galaxy as soon as she got back on her feet again. “How is she? I bet by now she probably went and got herself hitched again.”
She nodded. “Sure did. Met her latest husband. His name’s Bob. Seems like a nice ‘nough fellow.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “Yeah and so were the last nine stepfathers. I’ll be surprised if this marriage sticks.”
“I think it just might. I still believe in happy endings, Jake. I wish you did too. I should get on home. Max is waiting on me.”
He didn’t know quite why, but he grabbed her arm before she could slip into her Escape, pulled her close to him, so close that her soft curves pressed against him, close enough that he could smell the lavender scent of her perfume. Everything about Sherrie positively intoxicated him, made him dizzy, and weak, but it wouldn’t be enough until he tasted her lips and he did. He crushed his lips into hers.
To his amazement, she didn’t fight him, didn’t even try to break free. She relaxed into his embrace and parted her lips. He delved his tongue inside, tasting every corner of her spearmint mouth. She must still be a gum chewer. God, this feels so perfect having her in my arms again, even if she isn’t mine to hold.
Finally, she broke free, leaving him breathless, and with a raging hard on. If he had his way, he would pick Sherrie up and carry her back to his bed, but he was certain Max would have something to say about that. Max Porter was a big man and he made it clear when Jake returned to Wayback that he was to stay away from the youngest Porter girl ... forever.
Sherrie suddenly slapped the side of his cheek so hard that it stung. “That’s for taking advantage of me.”
He gave her a half-grin. “You didn’t seem to mind it so much when I was kissing you.”
“You ... Oh ... Damn it, Jake!”
He loved the way her cheeks turned a bright crimson. Watching her open the door to her SUV, he decided that he might not be able to hold his shooting star forever, but he’d enjoy the way she shined for as long as she stayed in Wayback.

Marguerite has kindly offered, in honor of heroine Sherrie's modeling profession, to giveaway a $25 Victoria's Secret Gift Card to one lucky commenter! To enter, comment to this post before midnight EST January 19th. Winner will be announced the following Tuesday. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries. You must be 18 years or older to enter!

And, of course, be sure to get your copy of Return of the Prodigal Daughter at The Wild Rose Press or in the Wayback anthology The Way Back Home!

BLACKEST HEART released today

Title: Blackest Heart
Author: Amber Leigh Williams
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Imprint: Yellow
Length: 116 Pages
Price: $3.00

America's Sweetheart, Stella Ridge has been away from Wayback for fifteen years paving her way to the top of the acting business. When a car accident leaves her physically and emotionally scarred, the only place she wants to go is home to Texas and her family’s ranch.The changes that have taken place since her departure are enough to rock her world again.

She uncovers a buried tragedy, struggles with the penetrating stares and questions from townsfolk, and comes up against an intriguing and unexpected spark with the silent cowboy and champion bull rider, Judd Black. Their wounded souls draw them together and Stella begins to realize that only in him can she find the solace she sought by leaving the bright lights of Hollywood.

EXCERPT:
“I love the way the air feels here,” she murmured, watching the fire in the sky take its sweet time burning out. “I love how it tastes.”
Her companion didn’t speak. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tall figure leaning against the fence. She turned her head when he didn’t reply. A stunning zap of electricity surged through her.
Judd had taken his hat off, revealing his thick crop of black hair, and was holding it between his hands draped over the fence line, elbows braced on the rail. His boot was propped on the lowest. His eyes squinted against the bright display, trained on the sun’s showcase. Beside him, sitting dutifully was an adorable mutt.
The man was an enigma. It got to her. That pleasant burning sensation began to swell within her again.
He straightened, catching her stare. She didn’t look away. Remembering how he’d raced with her over the field that afternoon, how he’d ridden that mean bull at the rodeo, she thought he must like challenges. Her admiration for him peaked.
She liked a challenge, too.
His brows rose as she stepped to him. Interest instead of astonishment filled his complex eyes. She came to a halt with the dog between them. “What’s with you, Judd?” she asked, punching just enough challenge into the question. “Didn’t Apache Jim ever teach you any manners? Didn’t anyone ever tell you how rude it is to stare?”
Something welled beneath the interest.
Amusement.
A sharp breath escaped her as she watched his eyes smile at her, crinkling up at the corners. She was the astonished one. Her body froze up when he reached out with one of those hard, wide-palmed hands. If she could’ve moved, she wouldn’t have stepped back.
His fingertips brushed over her damp hair, from her brow back over her crown. She fought against the urge to close her eyes, sigh and melt. Her scalp tickled under his light touch. His fingers combed through the ends of her tresses and repeated the motion, slower the second time through. She gripped the rail next to her, afraid she’d sway.
The amusement in his eyes had faded. They’d lifted to the scars she’d left exposed by combing her hair back from her face. His thumb traced the smooth, jagged line, tracing it to the corner of her eye.
She tried to read his face. The tender moment between them intensified. The tingles deepened. Though she wanted to turn his attention away from those imperfections on her face, she drew comfort from his whispering touch. His eyes darkened. There was anger there now. He was angry she’d been hurt. Her heart picked up pace, welcoming his fury.
She allowed her eyes to close. Her blood was singing, warming skin chilled by the nightly breeze. She could hear him breathing, just barely. Edging closer, she reached up to touch him. Her fingers found the chords of his upper arm. They wrapped around them, gripping them for support.
His fingertips found the scar by her mouth and began to trail down the angled mark. Her eyes popped open, fixed on his and her breath seized when he touched the very corner of her mouth. His fingers lingered, eyes tracing the line of her lips. She wanted his mouth to do the same. She waited breathlessly, heart thudding hard between them.

Read the Reviews:
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

On sale now at TWRP: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1058

Riding Back to Wayback with Marguerite & Abbey!!!

As all my blog readers know, I'm a huge Wayback fan. Every month I highly anticipate the next release from The Wild Rose Press. I can't read them fast enough and when they're over I pout until the next month's release. I'm very honored and happy to report that two of the authors, Abbey MacInnis and Marguerite Arotin, of the latest releases to the western line are stopping by for a little visit to talk about their stories, Delighting Miss Daisy and Return of the Prodigal Daughter.

Last time a Wayback author was featured here on my blog, we got to talk about all the fun stuff we love about Wayback and westerns. Today we're going deeper, right into the heart of these two wonderful stories.

ALW: Both stories have a major healing theme throughout. What is it about a story of healing in romance especially that draws readers?

Abbey: I think readers like to see characters' flaws and hardships. Writing wouldn’t be fun if our characters were perfect in every way. We wouldn’t have stories to tell. *g* We like to see how they’ll overcome the conflicts they face. I like reading and writing stories where characters overcome obstacles and challenges. We root for people who fight for what they want, whether it be love, independence, or in my heroine’s case, self-confidence and trust that she’ll believe in herself to make the right decision.

Marguerite: The healing process shows the vulnerability of the heroines and even the heroes in a great romance. When you’re trying to recover from a tragedy and rebuild your life, there’s a rollercoaster of emotions there and emotions are what give the story depth and make the characters and plot line come alive.

ALW: Both stories also deal with the issues of abuse and drunk driving. Did you set out plotting to cover these important themes or did they come together with the characters and build into something more?

Marguertie: We brainstormed a lot of our plot via Instant Messaging and I think I came up with the idea for Daisy and Sherrie to lose their parents to a drunk driver. They have an older brother, Max, who completes the trio and I just figured it would be cool for them to have a strong male figure who raised them. When Abbey came up with the idea for Daisy’s back story, I loved it because I knew it would bring on more conflict.

ALW: These stories have something really unique. They not only take place at the same time. They have sisters as heroines. Tell us about Daisy and Sherrie.

Abbey: I wanted to show that Daisy could be any woman. She is your average woman, working, intelligent, attractive. She just happened to make a wrong decision. I think the reader could empathize with her situation, and the inner battle she has to fight to overcome. We all make bad choices, but when that happens we need to learn from them and move on, and not get hung up on what we didn’t do right. Or at all.

Marguerite: When I set out to create Sherrie, I wanted to tell the story of a young woman who left her hometown because she believed she could find bigger and better things. But then it takes the tragedy of losing her Malibu home and her modeling career to a fire to make her realize that she had everything she needed in Wayback. I’m a sucker for homecoming tales *G*. Sherrie can be stubborn and a bit temperamental, but in her heart, she loves her family and would do anything for them.

ALW: It takes some really strong, special men to make these girls happy. Sam and Jake don't disappoint as Wayback heroes although Sam's an out-of-towner (albeit a very rich and sexy one with a very rich and sexy car *wink*).

Abbey: Sam’s perfect for Daisy. *g* He gets her to open up to him when she believes that there’s absolutely no one who could understand what she’s went through. Telling her of his own struggle through poverty and what would have been a life of crime if someone wouldn’t have come along and helped him, shows Daisy that he isn’t just some rich guy with a nice tie. *g* I think readers can relate to Sam for what he’s went through in his past. His life hasn’t always been plentiful. He works for every penny he makes, while maintaining a conscience by educating kids about the consequences of drinking and driving. He too, is compassionate, while firm in his resolve to help Daisy regain what she lost. I really loved creating Sam’s character. He’s protective when called for, and gentle too. I tried to think of how any man who respects women would react if they knew that a woman they care about was abused. Most guys would react just as strongly, maybe even more so than Sam.

ALW: Jake's a daredevil, which just makes him even more irresistible of course. I happen to married to one (a Jake AND a daredevil) so I know there's room for all kinds of good story there! LOL

Marguerite: My Jake’s a rodeo clown. The kind of guy who’s not afraid to take risks. When I researched rodeo clowns/bull fighters, I really fell for these guys and the way they put their lives on the line to protect the cowboys at rodeos. Jake also has commitment issues, basically because his mother left him when he was a child, and he doesn’t think he’s worthy of Sherrie’s love. But like I said, Sherrie’s headstrong, and she’s determined to make him see that they belong together.

ALW: Both stories also explore the importance of inner beauty. What can each of you tell us how this works for your stories?

Abbey: Daisy, because of what she went through, had a lot of self-esteem and self-confidence issues to overcome. Her ex not only beat her down physically, but emotionally as well. She had to learn to love and truly accept herself again before she could love Sam. She made a bad choice, but that one choice didn’t have to hang over her head like a looming dark cloud for the rest of her life. She had to realize that she was never weak – that it was her inner strength that helped her through the difficult times. She never really lost that strength. She just had to find it again.

Marguerite: Sherrie thought she was on top of the world while she modeled in California, but the fire and the burn to her hand sent that world crashing down. But like Daisy, she’s a strong woman and her inner beauty and determination keeps her going and helps her find a new career and life in Wayback. Plus, she’s able to teach the meaning of inner beauty to Jake’s half-sister, Soledad, a tomboy she takes under wing as she coaches her for the Wayback Rodeo Queen competition.

ALW: Okay, one fun question. I just can't resist! Sherrie might be champion of the runway, but Daisy just happens to be champion of the kitchen. I drooled over all the goodies from Daisy’s Down Home Delights. Abbey, are you a baker or like me would the subject require a bit of *ahem* research? *sheepish grin*

Marguerite: I know I drooled over Daisy’s concoctions too ;-)

Abbey: lol Well, I’m not much of a cook. It was fun creating those confectionary goodies, but alas, I didn’t do as much research as I wished. Besides, I don’t need anymore inches added to my hips or waistline. Lol

ALW: Thanks for chatting with me, ladies! I can't wait to have you back :)

Abbey: Amber, thank you so much for having us here today. It was fun.

Marguerite: Thanks Amber for having both of us.

ALW: We'll wrap up with all the info you need for these two great tales! Get your copies of Delighting Miss Daisy and Return of the Prodigal Daughter today from The Wild Rose Press and check back soon for updates on Blackest Heart, another installment in the Wayback series coming soon from yours truly *wink*

Delighting Miss Daisy

When Sam Howard, CEO of Sam’s Smooth Sliding Ale, arrives in Wayback to advertise his product for the rodeo, bakery entrepreneur Daisy Porter goes on a crusade to tear down every poster in town. Can Daisy look past the businessman to the compassionate man underneath, or has the lock to her heart finally rusted shut? Sam is a patient man, who doesn’t force his way through the walls she’s placed up to guard her heart. With the threat of someone from her past shadowing her, can Daisy reclaim her self-confidence and strength to find happiness with Sam?

Purchase here: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=978&zenid=89ec0f19bade733b1d84b44d6c254564

Visit Abbey at http://www.abbeymacinnis.com/ and make sure to stop by Anna Catherine Lainer's blog (http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/) to see Abbey there on the 13th!

Return of the Prodigal Daughter

Famous prodigal daughter Sherrie Porter comes home to Wayback after a wildfire destroys her Malibu home and ruins her supermodel stardom. While she longs for the comfort of family and friends, there’s one person she wants to avoid— her ex-boyfriend Jake Serrano. Jake thought he did the right thing by leaving her to her modeling career, but when they meet again, he can’t deny the flames that never died. Can they rekindle their passion or will stubborn pride tear them apart?

Purchase here: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=977&zenid=69445c5e747355dce18dfd21e78a0fea

Visit Dana at http://www.ohioromance.net and check out her time travel romance One Enchanted Summer now available from The Wild Rose Press!