Wayback, TX Spotlight

I have to say...this book launch is a little bittersweet. I'm so glad I finally can give readers the final chapter in the Ridge family saga. And the support from fans of the trilogy has been so wonderful and kind. Thank you so much!

Still, saying goodbye to this project, this town, these characters and their stories, has made me a bit of an emotional mess. I haven't felt this down since my mid-year breakdown over having to complete my second paranormal. I think it's doubly sad because the TWRP Wayback, TX series as a whole is coming to an end. I understand the decision to bring it to completion by the editors of the Yellow Rose (contemporary western) imprint. Wayback is, after all, a small town and can only get so crowded before it loses its small-town charm. But that doesn't change the fact that I'm not quite ready to say goodbye.

We still have several more wonderful stories in the series to look forward to by authors Linda-Carroll Brad, Stacey Dawn, and Betty Hanawa. And, like me, fans of Wayback can go back and enjoy all the other series titles. I wanted to take this time to introduce a few other Wayback releases from January and February....

Title: Obsessed by Wildfire

Author: Autumn Jordon

Released: January 10, 2010

Length: 115 pages

Rating: Hot

Price: $3.75

Isabelle Trinidad vows no man will ever rope her into the humdrum life of a housewife and take away her dreams of becoming the National Barrel Racing Champion, like her father did to her mother. Her mind is set, until a handsome Yankee comes to down and upsets everything she has believed.

Arson brings State Fire Marshal Warner Keyson to Wayback, but a wildfire of a woman stops him in his tracks. Intrigued by Isabelle’s fire, he contrives ways to keep her close during his investigation. What they create together is the blaze of a lifetime.

Buy Link

Title: Guardian Cowboy

Author: Crystal-Rain Love

Released: January 24, 2010

Length: 116 pages

Rating: Sensual

Price: $4.00

After a failed bodyguarding assignment, the last thing Presley West wants is to save a damsel in distress, but the spunky woman he finds standing on the side of the interstate in the pouring rain brings out his protective instincts.

Amber Barlow ran from the clutches of a demon, and into the arms of an angel. But the closer she gets to her guardian cowboy, the more her fear grows, because a southern gentleman like Presley could never want a woman with a past as soiled as hers.

Buy Link

Also on sale is the latest Wayback anthology...

Title: Finding Their Way Back

Authors: Stacy Dawn, Cindy Spencer Pape, & Roni Adams

Released: June 25, 2009

Length: 336 pages

Rating: Spicy

Price: $6.00 (also available in print for $14.99)

When Elizabeth O'Leary meets up with the cowboy she's been avoiding for over two years, she doesn't know whether to trust her heart or her head. One tells her Grey Wulfsen just might be The One, the other tells her it doesn’t matter because he'll never forgive her when he finds out what she took away with her on that one starlit night.

Free Wulfsen learned early on that rodeo relationships never last. After one wild weekend, the barrel racer finds herself married to bull rider Zane Malone. She’s all set to ask him for a divorce when she takes a fall—and finds out she’ll have more to remember him by than a ring. Now it’s up to Zane to convince her that love can last after the rodeo’s over.

Bull rider Dusty Wulfsen has been thrown to the ground by more bulls than he can remember, yet nothing caused as much pain as losing Carrie Montgomery. When she shows up in Wayback determined to have a second ride at his heart, he knows he'd be a fool to let her near him. But memories of those nights under a rodeo moon have him coming back for more.

Buy Now in Ebook and Paperback

You can get the complete Wayback Ridge trilogy for just $10.75!

Blackest Heart (Book I) - $3.00

Bluest Heart (Book II) - $3.75

Bet It On My Heart (Book III) - $4.00

If you want 1st Place Novella Blackest Heart for the shelf, The Way Back Home anthology is available in paperback featuring Delighting Miss Daisy (Abbey MacInnis), Return of the Prodigal Daughter (Marguerite Arotin) in addition to Blackest Heart! That's three cowboy -n- one, folks!

I don't think I ever formally congratulated The Wild Rose Press for being voted 2009 Best Publisher in the Preditors & Editors Readers Poll! So deserved! Any organization that comes up with a town "Where A Cowboy Falls In Love Every Eight Seconds" gets a high-five from me! Be sure to check out titles from all TWRP imprints. You'll definitely be getting your money's worth!

What People Are Saying About BLUEST HEART

So Cowboy Lovin' over, but I've got fun planned for the coming weeks. We've already started to countdown to Bet It On My Heart's March 3rd release. A book video is in the works so be on the lookout for that. Plus, the week of Valentine's Day I will be celebrating at fellow Wayback author, Autumn Jordon's site, AJ's Notes, with Casey and Josie from Bluest Heart. As soon as the story goes live, I'll let everyone here at The Cozy Page know!

While on the subject of Bluest Heart, I received my first reviews for Bluest Heart. Here's what people are saying about Casey and Josie's love story:

A+ on Bluest Heart. Love stories where the "bad girl" isn't 1/2 as bad as narrow-minded townfolk. Can't wait for Keefe's story!
~ Author Crystal-Rain Love

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.
- Fern (Long & Short Reviews)

Get your copy of the Blues today! Catch up on the 5-star, award-winning prequel, Blackest Heart, at The Wild Rose Press. If you prefer paperbacks for the shelf, Blackest Heart is featured in The Way Back Home anthology! Plus, the final book in the Wayback Ridge saga - Bet It On My Heart - is coming your way on March 3, 2010! If you didn't catch the exclusive first look last week, you can find it here on The Cozy Page!

And don't forget that the polls are now open for Best Book of 2009! Vote for Forever Amore!

Vote FOREVER AMORE Best Book of the Year!

Last week, Long & Short Reviews informed me that my historical romance, Forever Amore, is nominated for Best Book of 2009! Wow , what an honor! Thank you again to LASR. Voting begins today and will run through Valentine's Day. Readers, head on over and vote Forever Amore LASR's Best Book of 2009!

FOREVER AMORE

Was their love destined to last forever …

Engaged in a brutal dogfight, dashing American Lieutenant Charles Tyler crashes his broken plane into the Italian countryside. He prays for divine intervention—and is certain he’s found an angel from the very moment he looks up at Lucille Renaldi’s lovely face. Yet how can he be with her when his sense of duty tells him to stay away?

… or become another casualty of war?

Lucille’s attraction to the American is forbidden, her obligation to her family’s safety overwhelming. At great peril the Renaldis carry Charles from the crash site and disguise him as just another worker in their vineyard. Hidden there inside the ugliness of World War II is the beauty of a growing love, and a danger that could end their lives any day—when all they want is … forever.

Praise

LASR Best Book

A dynamic war-time romance novel…. We feel very clearly the terror of invasion, the potential loss of family or home. The events here make the people who lived and struggled in World War II seem a finer sort than ordinary humanity… This makes this story, this lovely romance, all the more moving…. There are so many scenes worth noting, that I fear this would become novel in its discussion. Suffice to say this features everything from dogfights to intimacy, love to desperation…. I must give this a best book, as the rating sheet goes no higher. Mark this a must-read.

~ Long & Short Reviews

A beautiful love story woven with suspense to make you race through the pages!
~ Lisa Britton Jacoby, The Baker City Herald

This is a wonderfully written story of a forbidden love during wartime. The two main characters are extremely well developed and sympathetic… The setting of Italy during World War II is an exciting one filled with political intrigue and danger from all sides. The author has brought the era to life and filled it with some memorable characters. Lucille’s trials and tribulations and her love for Charles will keep the reader riveted from the first page to the last one.

~ Coffee Time Romance

Excerpt

His lips brushed her cheek, tender. “Listen.” His voice carried a sensual, guttural rust that caused a stir within despite herself. “I want to help. If this is what it takes …”

As he trailed off, her lips parted as she finished his thought. “You would do that?”

“If it was what you really wanted,” he assured her. “If it was what you needed to take your mind off whatever it is that’s driven you to tears. As I said, I can’t stand to see you in pain.”

She shook her head. “I can’t use you. I won’t.”

“I’m not anywhere near the man you deserve, but if it’s me you trust, you have me. All you have to do is say so. I’d save you any day, and not just because you saved me.”

The right answer hovered on her tongue—refusal. But something forestalled it. She shouldn’t consider. She shouldn’t want—not this way.

But what other way was there? Especially now that her time was running out and the cage door was so quickly closing on her?

She wanted Charles Tyler. This might be her only chance to experience a woman’s true pleasure. A man’s true loving.

“Dio,” she breathed, unable to meet his gaze. She glanced around the cemetery once, afraid of the ghosts listening on the edges.

Forever Amore © Amber Leigh Williams

Purchase Forever Amore in paperback or ebook from Black Lyon Publishing today! Also now available in Kindle!

Cowboy Lovin' Day 18: Crystal-Rain Love

Today I welcome another fellow Wayback, TX series author whose Guardian Cowboy novella I can't wait to read....

"Creating A Cowboy"

I’ve always loved cowboys, especially the ones found among the pages of romance novels. Give me a Joan Johnston or Linda Warren book and I’m in my own little nirvana. However, despite my love for the genre I never thought I could write one. What did I really know about cowboys?

But then I came across the Wayback, Texas series and it drew me in so much I was compelled to add a story to the collection. So what’s a girl do when her knowledge of cowboys comes down to “Damn, guys look good in Stetsons, tight jeans, and boots”?

I read, of course, submerging myself deeper in cowboy romance novels than I ever had before. I recalled every television show or movie I’d ever watched featuring cowboys, whether it be Bonanza or Elvis Presley’s Charro.

I went to the rodeo (and man, was I disappointed to see there wasn’t one single hawt cowboy there…but the marines there were pretty enticing. Just sayin’…) and consequently discovered I loved the sport.

I made a soundtrack to keep me focused while writing. Tim McGraw was a must, along with Travis Tritt and a little Reba.

Then I created my character. I gave him the rough yet tender nature of the cowboy found in romance novels combined with the skill and ferocity of the cowboys I’d seen in the rodeo. I threw in a little humor by giving him a wacky, Elvis-obsessed mother. To make him real, I gave him the task of overcoming a personal failure he struggled with every day… and then I gave him his perfect match: A strong-willed woman who could save him as he saved her.

Guardian Cowboy is my first foray into cowboy-themed romance and I can’t wait to share Wayback’s newest cowboy with you on February 24th!

After a failed bodyguarding assignment, the last thing Presley West wants is to save a damsel in distress, but the spunky woman he finds standing on the side of the interstate in the pouring rain brings out his protective instincts.

Amber Barlow ran from the clutches of a demon, and into the arms of an angel. But the closer she gets to her guardian cowboy, the more her fear grows, because a southern gentleman like Presley could never want a woman with a past as soiled as hers.

EXCERPT:

Amber narrowed her eyes on the man, unease coating her stomach with nausea. Had she been picked up by a psycho after all?

“Look, darlin'. You're pretty much ass-out in the rain, and at the wrong time of night to be out looking for someplace to stay. I have a spare room with some warm blankets, a hot shower you can use to clean up, and food if you're hungry.”

“And let me guess. Nobody can hear me if I scream?”

Presley laughed, a twinkle lighting his dark eyes. “My mother would hear you scream, and trust me, if I did anything to scare you like that she'd skin my hide long before you could get off a shot. Come on.” He removed his seatbelt and stepped out of the truck, slamming the door shut before running around to open hers.

He stood there at the side of the truck, one hand on the open door, his gaze on the gun pointed at his chest. His eyes warmed with compassion. “I don't know who spooked you, honey, but I promise I won't lay one finger on you.”

Amber breathed deep, trying to sort through the tangle of decisions crowding her mind.

Should she trust him and enter his home, or just shoot him and flee in his truck?

Thanks, Crystal-Rain! I'll definitely be first in line to get a copy of Guardian Cowboy when it launches.

Readers, stay tuned tomorrow for Week 2 giveaway winners and another cowboy round robin. Also you still have time to enter both Marguerite Arotin's giveaway for a Victoria Secret Gift Card and Anna Kathryn Lanier's giveaway for Salvation Bride and a TWRP Gift Card...

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!

Cowboy Lovin' Day 14: Abbey MacInnis

This week is really special because it's packed with authors from the Wayback, TX series. Today I introduce a special two-day event. I had the privelege of being included in the Wayback anthology The Way Back Home with two other talented authors from the series. Today and tomorrow these ladies each visit The Cozy Page and celebrate Cowboy Lovin'. Today's guest is Delighting Miss Daisy author Abbey MacInnis!

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?





Excerpt:

Sam stood, vacating his stool. He pushed his way toward the back of the line to observe the controlled chaos.

When he’d spoken to the mayor of Wayback, Sam hadn’t received any objections to circulating his flyers. Beer was a big seller at the rodeo, which in turn, brought in a nice profit for the town.

Yesterday, Sam had hired a few kids from a local junior college to post his flyers about town.

Apparently they’d gone a little crazy, hanging them everywhere without asking permission from the store owners. Sam sighed inwardly. One thing he didn’t need was a bunch of angry proprietors. So here he was apologizing to Delia for the mix up. It looked like he’d be spending the rest of the day apologizing to annoyed townspeople.

After the stream of customers slowed to a trickle, Sam stepped up to the counter.

Delia let out a heavy sigh as she closed the cash register. “Back for more?”

“I never left.” Sam leaned a hip against the counter and crossed his ankles. The scent of vanilla drifted across the close space to tease his senses.

“Oh, is there something else you’d like then, something else I can get you?”

“No, the muffin and fritter did the trick. But...” He paused and removed a flyer from his briefcase. “I noticed you removed the flyer from your door.”

Sam set it on the counter between them. Delia unfolded it, appraised it, and threw it down after reading the bold large print at the bottom.

She pointed an accusing finger at him, then at the advertisement which she’d torn in half. “So, this is yours. Let me guess; you’re hoping I’ll post this in my window and show it off to my clientele.”

She continued before he could apologize. “First off,” Daisy folded her arms across her chest.

Leaning over the counter she stared him directly in the eye. “You didn’t ask me if you could post that.” She jabbed at the torn flyer. “On my window, or anywhere else in this bakery. So yes, I did destroy it, and this one, because I don’t want to advertise alcohol at my place of business.” She swiped the two pieces of paper into the trash can at her side.

“Actually no, Daisy. I came to apologize.”

“I’m Daisy to my friends, but it’s Miss Porter to you.” She bit out as the air sparked between them.

“Um, right, okay. I’m sorry, Miss Porter.”

He ran a hand over his stubble-shadowed jaw. “I’m going about this all wrong. I’m going to be spending the rest of the day apologizing to business owners for this mess. When I arrived in Wayback about a week ago to do some advertising at the rodeo, I decided to hire a group of college kids to tape up my flyers around town.” He sent her a disarming, charming smile as he explained. “Yesterday, they kind of let things get a bit out of hand.”

“Only a bit out of hand?” She asked, raising a brow.

“Um, yes, well, like I said, things got a little out of control. It was very rude of them to not ask before taping the flyer to your door, but when I spoke to the mayor, she said that it wouldn’t be a problem, that most entrepreneurs wouldn’t mind.”

“Well, I’m a small minority of those who don’t take too kindly to finding a beer advertisement stuck to their door for anyone to see. I don’t care what the mayor told you. She’s only concerned with the town, not my business. Of course, she’d say we wouldn’t mind. You’re going to bring in money for her town.”

Daisy had nothing against Gretchen Fremont, the mayor, but Gretchen was a politician through and through. She’d do whatever she thought needed to be done to make Wayback the most popular rodeo town in the country

She glared. “There are plenty of other places around town to do your advertising. I don’t see how not having a window or two not displaying your smooth-sliding ale will hurt your sales.” She contemptuously eyed his designer outfit and briefcase. “You appear to be doing just fine as it is.”

A flicker of annoyance showed in his eyes before the coolness returned. ”Yes, ma’am. You’re absolutely right. It won’t make a difference in my sales. You have a great business here, clean,
G-rated. Your customers, especially the kids, appear to love this place. Once again, I’m sorry for what happened. I’m going to circulate my flyers myself from now on just to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Daisy tapped her foot. She’d like to give him a hard kick in the butt . Who the hell did this guy think he was oozing such ease and confidence?

Thank you, Abbey, for sharing the excerpt and book trailer for Delighting Miss Daisy today! Be sure to check out Delighting Miss Daisy at The Wild Rose Press and the western romance anthology The Way Back Home! And tomorrow stick around because the third lady behind TWBH brings some real fun to Cozy along with another awesome giveaway!

Cowboy Lovin' Day 13: Autumn Jordon

Today I welcome fellow Wayback author, Golden Heart finalist Autumn Jordon, to The Cozy Page! Autumn is also celebrating a Wayback release this month, Obsessed By Wildfire, which - I hear - involves a fireman hero. Can't wait to learn more about it....

My love affair with cowboys began with Little Joe.

Yes, I admit, the heart-throb of the TV show Bonanza set my ten year old heart racing. He was handsome, confident, good-hearted and made me laugh. After watching the episodes, I remember saddling my own horse and galloping across fresh hay cut fields, feeling the crisp autumn air feathering my cheeks. I would imagine all sort of scenarios. Indians would be chasing me and at the definitive moment Little Joe would scare them off with a couple shots from his rifle. Or Little Joe would be kidnapped by a masked villain who hoped to hold him for ransom, and I was Joe's only hope. Of course, I would foil the bandit’s plan and then rode away with Joe at my side. There was never a kiss between Joe Cartwright and I. Just my hand in his.

Remember, I was ten. My visions have change.

A COWBOY'S HEART. I think that is the characteristic which most draws me to the Stetson wearing, jean clad, boot kickin’ men. Men’s whose morals will not be compromised. Who will ruthlessly face a foe with a steel gaze and bare fists, yet, when fitting, show compassion and mercy. My knees go weak at a man whose heart is tender and has no problem showing his love.

Also, I absolutely love a man with a sense of humor. If he can make me laugh, he has got my attention.

Enter my up-coming release, Obsessed By Wildfire,(January 27, 2010 from The Wild Rose Press) my hero, Warner Keyson, isn’t a cowboy. GASP! He’s a Yankee fire marshal chasing an arsonist, but he's got all the characteristics of a real cowboy.

On his first night in Wayback, Warner is stopped dead in his tracks by a whip toting cowgirl, Isabelle Trindad. Warner, like little Joe, is eye candy. He’s also a quiet guy with inter-strength who knows what has to be done and gets the job done. He is man with a gentle heart and sometimes wears it on his cuff. Warner knows how to get Issy’s goat and make her chuckle. She can't help but fall for him.

Here’s an excerpt. I hope you enjoy it.

There was no doubt he was a Yankee. He wore sneakers. No Texan would wear running shoes to go dancing. And his scent wasn’t leather, hay or old horse. She lifted her chin a notch, just a little, to let him know what he was about to take on. “Who are you?”

“Warner Keyson. You?” He folded his arms across his chest. His muscles bulged from beneath the rolled back sleeves of his white dress shirt. She’d seen bigger forearms—on a few NFL players.

“Isobel Trinidad.”

“Well, Ms. Trinidad, you could’ve caused some damage or killed someone the way you barreled in here.”

“The last time I heard, Raleigh was Wayback’s chief and you’re not one of his officers. Besides everyone’s inside.”

“There could be a couple or two in the backseat of those cars. You know, enjoying the night.”

Warner Keyson’s warm caramel gaze drifted over her and Isobel’s legs buckled a degree before she roped off her reaction. Refusing to look away, she wrestled the urge to step closer and touch the cute dark lock that curled behind Mr. Keyson’s right ear. “Were you peeking in windows?”

“Nah, not peeking.” His full lips pulled up the tiniest bit.

Thank you, Autumn! You took your eye candy assignment VERY seriously. A+++ I can't wait to read Obsessed By Wildfire!

Readers, there's more Wayback fun to be had this week! Stay tuned...

Cowboy Lovin' Day 11: Editor Spencer Glenn

I've been looking forward to Day 11 of Cowboy Lovin' because we've got an industry insider right here at Cozy! Spencer Glenn is an editor for The Wild Rose Press's Yellow Rose imprint and the woman behind the scenes of the Wayback, TX series. Today she tells us how the series came to be and shares her thoughts on the western genre and the cowboy hero. Welcome, Spencer!

"Wayback, Texas: An Editor’s Point of View"

Welcome to Wayback, Texas, a little town dreamed up by the editorial staff of the Yellow Rose division of The Wild Rose Press in early 2007. Since then, we’ve published eighteen Wayback stories, have contracted four more, and have two more contracts pending. All in all that makes twenty-four stories, set in our one little town. Sad as we were to close the doors on the Yellow Rose Arena and the cowboys and cowgirls who compete there, we all agreed, it was time to move along.

From an editorial standpoint, Wayback was a dream. The names of the talented authors on the list below should tell you a little about the quality of the material I had to work with. Yes, some of these authors were new, and needed a little more guidance than others, but I’m unbelievably proud of each and every one of them. Working in a shared universe is hard, and each of them carried it off beautifully. From Rita and Judith, whose brilliant works started off the series, to Amber, the only author with three Wayback stories, to Stacy and Betty who are helping wrap things up, it’s been a long, wild ride. I’d like to thank every single one of the Wayback authors for their contributions, for their willingness to make adjustments to accommodate somebody else’s characters, and for their commitment to making Wayback a town so real, people want to know how they can visit it. Another big thank-you goes out to the readers, who’ve helped make sure almost every Wayback story has made TWRP’s best-seller list.

Now, just in case you’ve missed a story or two, here’s the list, in order. Happy reading, and Ride ‘Em Cowboy!

Hot Night at the Blue Bug Saloon

by Rita Thedford
Shadow of the Hawk by Judith Rochelle
Payback in Wayback by Lynda Coker
Roped and Tied by Mallary Mitchell
Wrong Side of Love by Sylvie Kaye
All the Way Back by Cindy Spencer Pape
Re-ride at the Rodeo by Anne Carrole
FREE READ: Wayback When by Donna Michaels
Return of the Prodigal Daughter by Marguerite Arotin
Delighting Miss Daisy by Abbey MacInnes
Blackest Heart by Amber Leigh Williams
Bull by the Horns by MJ Frederick
Bluebonnet Café by PA Borel
Showdown in South Fork by Celia Yeary
On a Moonlit Night by Stacy Dawn
After the Rodeo by Cindy Spencer Pape
Under a Rodeo Moon by Roni Adams
Bluest Heart by Amber Leigh Williams
Obsessed by Wildfire by Autumn Jordon January 2010
Guardian Cowboy by Crystal-Rain Love February 2010
Bet it on my Heart by Amber Leigh Williams Spring 2010
Stepping Out of Line by Linda Carroll-Brad Spring 2010
Lost in Wayback by Stacy Dawn (contract pending)
Friends in Low Places by Betty Hanawa (contract pending)

Thank you so much, Spencer, for joining Cowboy Lovin'! It's much appreciated! Readers, if you'd like a closer glimspe at each of the Wayback series titles, find them here at The Wild Rose Press. The covers, all designed by talented cover artist Tamra Westberry are worth the looksie!

And come back tomorrow for Cowboy Round Robin day 2 and giveaway winner announcements from Week 1...

Cowboy Lovin' Day 6: BLUEST HEART Launch!

It's HERE! Day 6 of Cowboy Lovin' and my second western romance launch! Bluest Heart officially releases today from The Wild Rose Press and I'm premiering the book video and giving all you Cowboy Lovin' readers an exclusive peak at the second book in the Wayback Ridge trilogy. For the video, I went with a fun, bluesy kinda theme. It's got a good Wayback feel to it, don't you think? :)





That track will be playing on my iPod all day long. I feel like I've been waiting for this day for a while. To fans of Blackest Heart, this is the story of Stella's brother, Casey, who - as you saw in the video - is "the good guy." And, ladies, Casey brings a lot of sexy back to the beta hero!

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?

And here for you now is an exclusive excerpt from Bluest Heart:

"Do you think I’m incapable of doing anything by myself?"

"No, Josie. I just offered to give you a hand."

"Stop," she warned. "I don’t want your hand. I don’t want you around period. I tried to tell you yesterday to stay away from me, Casey. What’s going to make that sink in for you?"

He grinned. "Oh, it’s sunk in. I’m just ignoring it. You know what I want."

"How do you expect me to believe you can make a relationship work when you can’t even do your own damn laundry?" she squealed, at wit’s end.

"Trust me."

She was so mad she stomped one foot into the floor. "What is your problem?"

"At the moment? You."

She scoffed. "You have some nerve!"

"No, you’ve got some nerve!" he told her, humor melting quickly into anger. "You looked me right in the eyes and lied to me yesterday. We both know it."

"So why are you stalking me?" she demanded.

"Because I still want you," he blurted. "And I know you still want me. I’m not going to rest until you admit it."

"Then you’ve got a lot of sleepless nights ahead of you."

He started for the door. "We’ll just see about that." He paused, propping the books on his hip and digging into his pocket.

"I forgot. I think this is yours."

Seeing what he tossed in her direction, she leapt over the counter to catch the black lace thong. She ground her teeth together, her cheeks flaring hot again. Desperate to get a last, cutting word in, she whirled toward the door.

It slammed shut at his back. She let out a furious growl. God, he was going to drive her out of her mind!

Bluest Heart (c) Amber Leigh Williams

I'll be posting more excerpts around the web throughout the day. You can catch some of them at my publisher's blog. Also be sure to drop by fellow TWRP author Emma Lai's blog today for more of Bluest Heart! Be the first to get your copy of Bluest Heart at The Wild Rose Press!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow through Saturday because three of my favorite western romance authors are dropping by Cozy to keep the Cowboy Lovin' celebration going! Yay!

Cowboy Lovin Day 3: Cindy Spencer Pape

It's January 3rd and Cowboy Lovin' keeps on truckin' along with western romance author Cindy Spencer Pape! Before Celia and I published our Wayback, TX novellas with TWRP, Cindy published her first. It is, hands down, one of the best in the series....

"Gotta Love A Cowboy"

What is it about a cowboy? Well, face it, who among us never had a thing for John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, or any one of the cast of Young Riders? Cowboys are self-sufficient, tough, and yet tender enough to care for a baby calf or foal. They epitomize the strong, silent hero, and whether we’re talking about modern or historic Western settings, they still have to be in top physical condition. In short, yum. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that our fictional cowboys never seem to chew tobacco, drink too much, or smell like horse poop. Oh, no, that would ruin the fantasy. And in romance, isn’t fantasy what it’s all about?

I’d like to introduce my two Wayback heroes, Drew Lawson, and Zane Malone, who are different as night and day—except for the strong, loyal, and loving part, of course—and the not smelling like horse poo.

You might also want to check out my western series, Love at the Crazy H, featuring the Hall brothers, also available from the Yellow Rose line at The Wild Rose Press. For more information, you can stop by my website: http://www.cindyspencerpape.com/.

Happy Reading!

All the Way Back
By Cindy Spencer Pape
A Wayback, Texas story
Available as a stand-alone novella,
Or in the print anthology Wild Wayback Nights
From The Wild Rose Press

Drew Lawson left Wayback for the army a long time ago. Now he’s back, a little older and a lot wiser, but the past still haunts him. Music teacher Annie Zykov had a crush on Drew when she was a kid, but what she feels for the man is something else entirely. With Annie’s help, can Drew come to grips with his past and learn to face the future? Is love what it takes to bring him All the Way Back?

Excerpt (PG):

“Would you like to dance?”

The band was playing an old George Jones song, slow and sweet. Annie nodded and set her hand into his, totally unprepared for the jolt of electricity that jangled her nerves. His hand was warm and strong and rough—whatever he’d done for the military, it hadn’t been a desk job. She swallowed hard and let him lead her onto the dance floor and draw her close.

One big hand settled at the small of her back while the other clasped hers. Her head tucked under his chin and her cheek rested against the broad plane of his chest. She inhaled his scent—warm, slightly spicy, and all male.

“I haven’t done this in a long time,” he murmured. His breath stirred her hair. “I’ll try not to step on your toes.”

“It seems to be coming back to you just fine,” she replied.

His movements were sure and graceful, in perfect time with the music. She closed her eyes and began to quietly hum along to the music.

“Why didn’t I ever know you could sing?” he asked. “You must be pretty good at it to teach it for a living.”

She shrugged against his chest. “I do okay—I’m no Gretchen Wilson, but I don’t usually send people screaming, either. I didn’t really start taking it seriously, though, until high school. When I was younger, it was just something I did at Sunday school, or singing along with the radio. I sure wouldn’t have tried to sing in front of my brother or his cute friends—I was trying to hang out with you guys—not be laughed at.”

“Were we that mean to you, Little Bit?” he asked with a warm chuckle that made his chest vibrate against her cheek. “Kids can be rotten to each other, but I’d hate to think we hurt you.”

“Nah. You didn’t have a mean bone in your body, Drew. I don’t believe you have it in you to deliberately hurt anyone.”

He stopped moving. His whole body stiffened, as if she’d just belted him with a cast iron pan. His hands tightened convulsively, then he inhaled a deep breath and slowly relaxed his muscles. “You’d be surprised, darlin’, what a man like me is capable of.”

After the Rodeo
By Cindy Spencer Pape
Available digitally or in print as part of
The anthology Finding Their Way Back
From The Wild Rose Press

Free Wulfsen learned early on to ride fast, and that rodeo relationships never last. But after one wild weekend in Nevada, the barrel racer finds herself married to bull rider Zane Malone. She’s all set to ask him for a divorce when she takes a fall—and finds out she’ll have more to remember him by than a ring. Now it’s up to Zane to convince Free than love can last after the rodeo’s done and that the real prize is a lifetime together.

Excerpt (PG):

Zane’s heart thumped as Free rode into the ring. He’d known her for years, yet he was still stunned by her strong, blonde beauty every time he saw her. There she was, big as life, her pale blonde hair flying behind her, astride a sleek palomino quarter horse he knew she’d trained herself. Rider and mount moved so perfectly in tandem that it was almost as if they were two halves of one being. He couldn’t help remembering what it had felt like to have all that intensity and strength wrapped around him. His one weekend with Free had only made him hungrier for more.

The horse rounded the first and second barrel of the cloverleaf pattern with a deceptive ease. No way getting a thousand pound animal around an oil drum at high speed was an easy task. Her time looked good—she was sure to qualify for the finals. That meant she’d be here ’til Sunday. Zane’s body reacted to that thought, making his jeans too tight.

“There she goes around the third barrel. Look at them move folks,” the announcer called. “Pure poetry in motion.”

And then Zane’s heart stopped in his chest.

Almost as if it were slow motion, he watched Mistrunner lose his footing and go down. Free was flung from the saddle, her foot caught in the stirrup. Zane was already bolting over the fence when he heard the crack of her skull striking—something. A rodeo clown grabbed the struggling horse as it righted itself, making sure the fallen rider was clear of the saddle while Zane knelt in the dust by Freya’s side. An ugly bruise was already forming at her temple, leaking a small trickle of blood onto her cheek. Her chest moved steadily, though, thank God. Zane let out the breath he hadn’t known he was holding.

Two other men pushed their way to her side only moments behind Zane. Her brothers were here, he registered absently. She’d like that. The paramedic nudged Grey and Dusty Wulfsen apart, holding a stethoscope to Free’s chest. In the background he heard the announcer reassuring the audience that the rider was going to be all right. A couple of clowns started juggling to distract some of the viewers from the paramedics in action.

“Pulse and respiration are good,” the lead medic told his partner. He moved to check her pupils just as Free’s lashes fluttered open. She looked at Zane, blinked and shut her eyes again.

“Zane.” It was little more than a whisper.

“I’m here, darlin’. You’re gonna be just fine.” He hoped she couldn’t hear the quaver in his voice.

“Miss Wulfsen, can you tell us how you’re feeling?” The medic asked. He checked her eyes when she opened them again. “One’s dilated, not responsive.” Concussion, Zane concluded. No big surprise.

“She conked heads with Mistrunner,” one of her brothers noted. “At least it was his skull, not a hoof.” Yeah, that was good. Hooves could smash skulls like pumpkins.

“Anything else hurt, ma’am?” They had a backboard ready and the two medics moved to lift her onto it.”

“Ankle,” she murmured. “Left. Broken, I think. Hurts like a bitch.” She gazed up at Zane again. “Misty?”

“He’s fine,” Zane assured her. “Walked off without a limp.”

“Good.” Free gave a little flutter of a smile and dropped back into unconsciousness.

“Lift.” The medics had her on the backboard, moved to a gurney. “Okay, you two are her brothers, right? One of you want to ride with us to the trauma center?”

While Grey and Dusty looked at each other, Zane shook his head. “Nope. They can drive. I’m riding with you. I’m the lady’s husband.”

Aw, thank you, Cindy, for bringing Drew and Zane over for a little playtime! And that Wild Wayback Nights cover? You're so right: yum!

Readers, be sure to check out Cindy's Wayback titles. They're so worth it! Today she's giving away a free digital download of All the Way Back. Comment before midnight EST January 8th to enter. Winners will be announced Tuesday, January 12th. Chances of winning depends on the number of entries. You must be 18 years or older.

And check back in tomorrow for another giveaway + a steamy peak at the silent cowboy of my award-winning Wayback novella, Blackest Heart! Oooh, and some of the cowboy eye candy that inspired it....

Cowboy Lovin' Day 2: Celia Yeary

Welcome to Day 2 of Cowboy Lovin'! I promised another author who knows her cowboys. Celia Yeary is a Texas lady and is another great voice in the western romance genre. She's also a fellow author of the Wayback, TX series. And it just so happens that she's celebrating a western romance release this month! Oh, and she brought her excerpts...

"Cowboy Lovin' Ways"

Don’t you just love a handsome, good-hearted, protective cowboy? I grew up with cowboys. No, not in real life, only in my imagination. My love affair with the gentle men of the West began at age eight when a traveling photographer came through the small West Texas town where we lived. He brought along a small Shetland pony for a photo prop. A lucky child who had parents with a little money might have his or her picture taken sitting atop the lovely animal. Me? Not that lucky, but I did watch others as they climbed up, gripped the reins, and turned their heads toward the camera, either smiling or stifling a sob from fear.

The vision stayed with me, and for Christmas I asked for a cowboy outfit and a six-shooter. Well, I did receive those—jeans, a plaid shirt, a neckerchief, and a six-shooter cap gun in a holster. Oh, and a red felt hat with a string to tie under my chin. My little sister also received these gifts, and we launched ourselves into the make-believe world of cowboys. We were never “cowgirls,” oh, no, we were cowboys!

This phase of dressing the part and playing cowboys evolved into attending the Saturday Afternoon Western Matinee. Each week, mother gave each of us two dimes—one for admission and one for a concession stand treat. Each Saturday, we watched Gene Autrey, Roy Rogers, Lash LaRue, or The Lone Ranger. Oh, those thrilling days of yesteryear!!!

As an adult, I write Western Historical romance novels, probably because that part of me never grew up. The heroes in my novels are visions in my head, but now with the wizardry of Google, I have the pleasure of finding just the right guy for a particular character. Let me show you.

In ALL MY HOPES AND DREAMS, Ricardo Romero marries a prissy, proud young lady from East Texas. He takes her across Texas to the edge of the frontier so they may live on his enormous ranch. He has difficulty understanding his new bride, even though he really wants to. For various complicated reasons, she moves out of the main ranch house and into a small cabin to escape her new husband. Here’s what he says to her:

“What do you want?” she asked, never batting an eyelash.

“You know damn well what I want. I want to know what’s come over you to create such a stir and pull such a stunt. And I want you to pack and march your little fanny right back over there to my house.”

It seems Ricardo has much to learn. And he does, believe me.
______________________________________________________________________________

In SHOWDOWN IN SOUTHFORK, Cody Matheson, a champion bull rider, teases Marla Ellington, who tries to make sense out of this mysterious cowboy.

“Okay, just tell me this. Probably you think you bought Southfork, but that’s not possible. What makes you think you own it?”

Squinting his eyes, he looked out across the street, as if he searched for an answer. Finally, he drawled, “Bought it on eBay.”

Pointing her finger at him, she said, “Ah-hah. Just as I thought. I don’t know who you gave your money to, but whoever it was, man, did you get ripped off. Don’t you know enough to realize people put fake things on the internet all the time, and some sucker falls for it? You, Mr. Matheson, were taken.”

He tipped his hat back with his thumb and grinned at her. “Aw, don’t get all riled. I’m just teasing you.”

"Teasing? Then tell me the truth. Why are you here?”

“Well, Miss Ellington, your father hired me to be your bodyguard.”

Shaking her head, she said, “Oh, no, you don’t. I know nothing about a bodyguard. My daddy didn’t say anything about doing something like that, so I do not believe you for one minute.”

"Well, it’s the truth. Sounded like a bore at first, but now, well, it’s getting more interesting by the minute.”

______________________________________________________________________________
On Jan. 29, my third Western Historical will be released. Title: TEXAS BLUE. Buck Cameron finds Marilee Weston, isolated in the forest. Now that’s he’s located the beautiful young woman with the little girl, should he take the child as he was paid to do? Or rescue both of them to keep them safe?

She emerged from the bushes with Josie at her side. Buck already waited. Heavy, black stubble covered his face, and instead of a hat, he’d tied a bandana around his wet hair to keep it out of his face. He wore black twill trousers, tight fitting, molded to his thighs. Once again, he had strapped his pistols around his lean hips. His white shirt, open at the neck, exposed dark hair on his chest, and it contrasted sharply against his darkened skin. If she hadn’t known he was actually a gentleman, she would have been even more frightened, for he looked like a desperado.

But she saw the now familiar twinkle in his blue eyes and felt somewhat comforted.

"All set?” he asked her, staring into her eyes, warming her and making her yearn to reach out to him, to touch his dark skin.

Thank you for visiting!

Celia Yeary

Romance…and a little bit ’o Texas. You may see my website here: http://www.celiayeary.com/. Or contact me by mail: celiayeary@yahoo.com. Or read my weekly blog: http://celiayeary.blogspot.com/. The books can be found here: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

A thank you to Celia for bringing her love of cowboys to the party as well as some gorgeous covers and the teasers!

Readers, look for Celia's Texas Blue on January 29. Also be sure to check back tomorrow for more Cowboy Lovin'! And you can still enter Alison Kent's giveaway...

Special Guest: Celia Yeary

Today I’m thrilled to welcome another very special guest to Cozy, fellow Wayback author Celia Yeary whose novella Showdown in Southfork is available now from The Wild Rose Press!

Marla Ellington inherits an abandoned town on ranchland near Wayback, Texas. When she arrives to claim her property, and finds Cody Matheson sitting on the porch of the dilapidated honky-tonk, her temper flares hotter than her pistol. Anger blazing, she settles in for a showdown.

Cody’s only goal for the week is to win the bull-riding event at the Saturday night rodeo. But when Marla receives an anonymous threat that forces her to leave town, Cody finds himself smack-dab in the middle of a mystery. ’Course, catching a criminal and lasting eight seconds on a bull are easy compared to winning the love of the feisty, strawberry-blonde beauty who wants nothing to do with him. Now it's his turn for a showdown.

Welcome to The Cozy Page, Celia, and many congrats on the Wayback release! I’m eager to talk about Showdown in Southfork! It’s a wonderful addition to the Wayback series. It also harkens back to the suspenseful themes we found in Judith Rochelle’s Shadow of the Hawk and Sylvie Kaye’s Wrong Side of Love. Can you tell us a bit about this?

I’d be happy to. First, it’s light-hearted, even though an unknown person threatens Marla, and it’s humorous and a little sexy. I based the story on a real event about Albert, Texas—population 4. John Cave owned it—yes, he owned this ghost town with acreage and an old honkytonk—and placed it on eBay. Since we drive by that small place often when traveling, I “wrote” the story in my head on the way to our destination.

Intriguing! Your heroine Marla definitely lives up to Wayback’s feisty standards. Tell us a bit about Marla and what motivates her.

Marla is from a semi-wealthy family in Dallas, rather pampered as the only girl, but still, she has an independent streak. She inherits the town from her eccentric grandfather who lived there all alone until he died. The catch—she must stay there one week to claim her inheritance. When she arrives, Cody is there, a stranger, and the sparks fly.

I already love hero Cody. Cowboy and bull-rider are welcome qualities around these parts ;) Can you give us more insight into Cody’s character? What attracts him to Marla?

Cody is easy going and somewhat lazy when he’s free of actual work. But when he must accomplish something, he’s all male, strong-willed, and well—“bullheaded.” He loves to tease, play, and flirt, and he finds cute feisty Marla the perfect target. And she plays right into his hands—pun intended.

What is it about the cowboy hero that is so endearing?

Good question. Cowboys, as we know them or create them, are protective, aggressive, respectful, and loyal. Yep, that’s a cowboy for you. They can have broken hearts waiting to be mended by the right woman, a thick skull a female usually must crack to get a point across, and arrogance fit to kill when he thinks he’s right. Through everything, he’s looking for love—sometimes in all the wrong places—but we’ll forgive him for that.

What compelled you to write a story for the Wayback series? Care to share any of your favorite Wayback series moments?

I read the first two Wayback stories, and fell in love with the town and the story line. The series became very popular right away. I knew authors were submitting, so I began to yearn for that place in the Wayback lineup. You see, I have a killer instinct. Most people see me as a kind, sweet, mature woman. But underneath, I want to win. So, place a challenge before me and I’ll work very hard to make it my own. Now, I’m hoping my book will be in an anthology—most of my local friends and family want a book to hold, not read online, and they’d buy the anthology.

Please let us here at Cozy know if Showdown is printed in an anthology! You have another western romance available from The Wild Rose Press. Give us the skinny on Yellow Rose All My Hopes and Dreams.

It’s a story about two opposites—prim, proper, spoiled Cynthia Harrington who wants to choose her own husband but her father selects one for her; and Ricardo Romero, a wealthy Spaniard in town to buy blooded mares. Impulsively, he asks for her hand in marriage. She accepts and he takes her home to the ranch. Each must learn how to live with the other, and the task is not easy.

Do you have any upcoming titles readers should look out for?

Texas Blue has a release date in January 2010. It parallels All My Hopes and Dreams, in a way. I took characters from one to write the other story. This is a full-length novel.

According to your website, though Texas is your home, you travel quite a bit. What are your favorite places to visit and where haven’t you been that you would like to go?

We’ve traveled all over Europe, part of Russia, the Scandinavian countries, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and of course, the United States. I’ve never visited a place I didn’t enjoy in some way. I cannot choose a favorite at all. But one place we’ve not been is Ireland and Scotland. If we do fly across the ocean again, I’d love to visit those places.

Okay, now for the fun part! What’s your zodiac and what does it say for today?

Virgo. ‘You thrive under deadlines now. Not everyone is as thrill-seeking as you, so be patient with the steady quiet ones.’ Very true—I do my best under pressure and with close deadlines.

If you could set a romance where you live, what genre would it be? Sweeping historical, heart-pounding romantic suspense, or hot contemporary?

I live in the Texas Hill Country-rugged, rough and beautiful. I would have to place a sweeping historical here!...with maybe a little hot sex thrown in. Why not?

If you were a mixed drink, what would you be and why?

Margarita, definitely. It says, “I’ve worked hard, so I’ll kick back, turn on some Tejano music, sit with someone I love, and have a plate of jalapeno cheese nachos to go with it.”

What recent read would you recommend?

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas. It’s not erotic, but it’s plenty hot.

What’s your favorite smell and is there anything that makes it significant?

Hmmm, wet, green grass, freshly mowed. Here in Central Texas, we often have long droughts and all the grass turns brown. With a little rain, it pops right back, and I feel rejuvenated and blessed. And the smell is lovely.

And last but not least, if you found your heart’s desire at the end of the rainbow, what would it be?

Oh, that’s difficult. My heart’s desire—to have my three young grandsons grow into worthwhile, happy young men who will make a difference in their world.

Thanks again for lounging with us here at The Cozy Page, Celia! I’m sure my readers will look forward to reading Showdown in Southfork. I definitely look forward to your January Cactus Rose release! To close, would you mind giving us a nibble of Showdown?

******

Cody turned to her, shaking his head. “Not a good spot for your bedroll. Not good at all.”

“Why not?”

“I saw mice droppings over here when I arrived.”

“Mice?” she squeaked.

“Yeah, I guess they come out over here.”

“Noooo,” she said with her hands on her cheeks. “Is that the truth?”

“Seems likely to me. That’s why I sleep back over there.” He motioned with his head.

“Then, where am I going to sleep?”

Cody looked behind her, and said, “Whoa! One just popped his little head out that hole.”

Goosebumps popped up on Marla’s arms and down her back. In one motion, she squealed, “Eeek!” sounding just like one of the mice again, turned, and slammed into Cody. He stood his ground while she literally climbed up his body, grasping his shirt, wrapping her legs around his hips, and moving on up to clasp her arms around his neck.

After only a few moments, she noticed that he hadn’t moved, except to lock his arms around her bottom and boost her a little higher. Leaning back, she looked into his face. He grinned like a Cheshire cat, or the one that got the cream, not unlike the roguish grin she’d seen earlier.
The man was dangerous.

“I’ll get down now,” she said, pursing her lips and looking away.

“Well…you’re gonna have to let go of my neck.”

When she did, he kept her escape in check by allowing her to slide down his body, unhurried, holding her close. When she stood toe-to-toe with him, she make the biggest mistake of her life. She looked up into his eyes.

“You sure are a little thing,” he whispered.

“I’m petite.”

“You’re short and compact,” he said low and sexy.

“I’m…will you stop it?”

“Haven’t done anything, yet.”

She raised one eyebrow in challenge. “Well?”

Great excerpt, Celia! Thank you again for sharing and I wish you tons of sales!

Readers, sound off: what are your favorite ingredients in a cowboy hero's character? Who're your favorites and why do they stand out? And don’t forget to stop by The Wild Rose Press and get your copy of Showdown in Southfork today!

More About...

I thought I'd roll out the red carpet and officially introduce western romance Bluest Heart to my readers. As some of you know, this is the sequel to last year's release and this year's 1st Place Novella in the More Than Magic Contest, Blackest Heart. When I contracted Bluest Heart in January with The Wild Rose Press's Wayback, TX series, I left my followers hanging by not revealing who Casey Ridge's love interest would be. Here for you is the blurb and excerpt of their story which will launch January 6, 2010! Enjoy!!!

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?

*Excerpt:

"You remember that night behind the stable?"

She let out a small, throaty laugh. "Seems like forever ago, but yeah. Your hair was a lot longer then."

"Yours, too." He could remember it curtaining their faces, the tips of silky, red curls tickling his cheeks. Tracing the line of pearly buttons from the hem of her midnight blue blouse to the open neck-line, he touched the teardrop-shaped pearl on the thin gold chain around her neck which reminded him of the moon that night. "You were my first."

She lifted her gaze to his. Tenderness warred with uncertainty in the whiskey-colored depths. "Me, too."

His heart pattered at the memory. "I always liked that about us."

She nodded, frowning. "I was crazy about you."

The tip of his thumb traced the bottom edge of her lip. "So why didn’t it last?"

She looked beyond him, remembering. "Because however much I wanted to be with you, I knew I would be leaving the first chance I got. I wasn’t go-ing to let anything or anyone stand in my way."

"You figured I would?"

"Casey, we were so young," she told him. "Who knows what you or I would’ve done?"

He paused, running a hand over her hair. "Just for the record," he murmured, lips brushing her cheek, "I would’ve let you go."

She sighed, reaching up to clutch his upper arm. The muscle under her hand and his sleeve warmed. "Why hasn’t anyone snatched you up yet?"

"Because you’re the only one I ever wanted, Josie," he told her, cupping her chin in his hand to look her in the eyes as he said it. "The only one."

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Hope this holds everyone over until January! Let me know what you think!