Tanner Hayes smashed
Claire's life to pieces when he chose the rodeo over her ten years ago.
And now he'd wrecked her truck! Fantastic. She'd lost her husband, the
family ranch was mired in debt, her father was recuperating from a
stroke and her son was being bullied. Why not throw a reckless bull
rider into the mix?
All she'd wanted was a safe, stable life. But with Tanner back in town—and staying on her ranch—nothing was safe, or under control. Not the feelings she'd fought so hard to forget. Not the son she was determined to protect. And certainly not her long-held secret…
All she'd wanted was a safe, stable life. But with Tanner back in town—and staying on her ranch—nothing was safe, or under control. Not the feelings she'd fought so hard to forget. Not the son she was determined to protect. And certainly not her long-held secret…
Published
March 1st 2016
by Harlequin
4 Stars
Join me in welcoming Karen to my page so we can talk about her new release.
Hi, everyone! It's nice to stop by Between the Pages today.
Karen, thank your for agreeing to stop by for a few minutes. I love it when authors take the time to answer a few questions. It not only helps the reader learn more about an author, but it also gives them a chance to learn about the development of a story.
I would like to get to know you as a reader. So tell us what are you reading right now?
I am reading What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. She wrote last year's best seller Big Little Lies and is an amazing women's fiction/romance author from Australia.
This is one I definitely need to check out.
What one author influenced you the most growing up?
I really loved reading wholesome stories like Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Anne of Green Gable series by L.M. Montgomery. My home life wasn't the best growing up, so reading about these different worlds that was so different from mine, gave me a chance to escape. I think that's what I hope to give my readers: stories that are uplifting, heartfelt and transport you to a world beyond your own.
What is your favorite genre?
I read all kinds of books, but my favorite would have to be women's fiction or suspense. I'm an Investigation Discovery and Hallmark channel addict!!
Which to you like best or prefer stand alone stories or series?
I prefer a series and His Kink of Cowgirl is actually part of a series I'm working on right now. Claire's sister, Dani, works on a dude ranch in Colorado and her hero, a bounty hunter, is one of five brothers from a cattle ranch that will be the setting for that western romance series. It's still in its early stages of development, though. have a military romance series with Harlequin Blaze and the first book will be released 10/16. All of the heroes are rescue swimmers and friends that graduated from the same training academy class.
Can you tell us a little about the story development for this book?
I began by outlining the chapters followed by research to teach myself about prize bull ranching as well as rodeo and the bull-riding competitive world. I did character maps to get to know my hero and heroine and once I had the foundation, I began to write. When I finish the book, I go back and revise it top to bottom and am always amazed at things I didn't catch the first time!
What do you hope readers will understand about your characters?
That we all have flaws and make mistakes, but that doesn't mean we can't find love and Happily-ever-after.
What message do you want readers to take away from your books?
I hope that readers take away that we all deserve second chances in life and love. Just because we've always done things one way, doesn't always mean that's the best way. The future is never given and change will only happen if we're willing to take the risks. In Claire and Tanner's case, they had to risk opening up their hearts and take a chance of getting hurt again, to get their HEA.
Okay a little fun now, if you could meet anyone of your characters, which would it be?
Coltrane's beauty salon owner!!!
She created a fantasy wig line that's been picked up by the Home Shopping Network, she dates the most feared, conservative lawyer in town but hasn't changed her outlandish ways, and she always gives customers fresh baked cupcakes.
If you could live in any setting, which of your books settings would it be?
I would love to be a part of the rodeo circuit. I love horses and am a definite adrenaline junkie.
Which of your characters do you relate to the most?
I relate most to Tanner, because, like me, his ADHD, made school a struggle and he wasn't sure he would amount to much. Once he did find what he was good at and passionate about though, he proved everyone wrong.
Karen, thank you so much for stopping by. This has been a lot of fun.
Thank you for having me. I am glad to meet everyone.
If you would like to find out more about me and my upcoming books, please stop by my website http://www.karenrock.com/.
My Thoughts:
I was privileged to receive an advance copy of the book from the author via Netgalley to read and review.
This is a wonderful story.
I loved Claire. She is a beautiful, young woman who's strength is about to get tested even more. She has recently lost her husband and now her father has had a stroke. She and her son have returned home to care for him and the ranch. Unfortunately after their arrival Claire finds out that the ranch is deeply in debt and ready to be foreclosed on. She sees only one out and that is to sell the ranch for much less than it's worth, but they would be out of debt. Also it would allow for her dad to go into an assisted living facility just down the road. One problem, her dad has his own thoughts about ranch and how exactly to get it out of debt and it doesn't even call for selling it. Needless to say tension was very thick at the ranch between Claire and her dad. Added to that her son is having difficulties. She has taken him out of public school and is now trying to homeschool.
Just when she thinks she's got everything lined out a vehicle comes out of no where and strikes her vehicle. It get's better. The other vehicle was driven by Tanner the one person she really doesn't want to see. Tanner and Claire have a history. Yes, they do. Years before he was the love of her life, but he chose his career over her. Was she over the heartbreak, what do you think?
Tanner, a world champion bull rider is now on a medical leave from the circuit due to an injury. He knows one more injury and he's in serious trouble. He has had plans in his head about starting a bull riding school, but hasn't really had a chance to see it to fruitation. Now he has agree to help Martin save his ranch he might be able to see if he can put some plans in motion. Just one problem, Claire.
As I said this is a wonderful story about second chances and forgiveness. I loved Claire and Tanner's characters which are strong and well developed. This is a sweet plot that will draw you in immediately and keep your turning the pages. This is a story that will evoke both laughter and tears.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance interlaced with humor.
Available for Purchase:
Research is one of my favorite
parts of writing stories. I was very lucky to connect with PBR agent,
Sheri Smith, who represents Mike Lee, an elite bull-riding champion on
whom I based my hero, Tanner, in HIS KIND OF COWGIRL. In addition to her
busy work schedule, Sheri, a Navy veteran, works tirelessly to support
veterans through her incredible organization, which I support, WARRIORS
AND RODEO. It provides rodeo gear, via donations and sponsorship, to war
veterans interested in the rodeo/western lifestyle. Whether it be
vests, helmets, chaps, boots, spurs, hats, ropes, clothing or other
items - WAR gives back to those who are willing to give it all. I hope
you'll check out this very worthy cause HERE.
Karen
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Thank you for featuring Karen and HIS KIND OF COWGIRL!
ReplyDeleteLoved it. Thank you for including me. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThank you for featuring Karen
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. I love Karen's books. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteThanks for the freebie and this book looks really good Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you for stopping by. I think you will love the book. Good luck in the giveaway.
DeleteHappy Reading
Blessings
Thanks :)
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