Modern Western
Romances set in the western US in contemporary times.
-
Cover Love: Shotgun Bride @Karen_lopp #RLFblog
Shotgun Bride Cover Love at Romance Lives Forever is a short intro to a book
and includes a cover, blurb, buy links, and social media contacts for the author.
Today’s featured book is Shotgun Bride by Karen LoppOrphaned young, Kathleen Barns has struggled to survive only
to end up in a New York
mill, when an unexpected inheritance gives her a glimpse of freedom. But becoming
the landowner of a coveted piece of land with precious water rights in New Mexico Territory threatens to destroy her only chance
at love. Forced into a marriage to a man who believes she planned the shotgun wedding
to gain control of his ranch, Kathleen flees into the wilderness. Yet it is her
unwanted husband that keeps saving her life and threatening to steal her heart.Mike Baca had finally reached his goal, his fighting days were
far behind him now that the war was over, he owned a ranch and he was on his way
home to marry the richest girl in the New Mexico Territory.
A shotgun in his back had him married to a green-eyed girl who wanted his ranch!
Furious with her trickery, Mike made sure she wouldn’t want to keep him. It was
only after she had run, with her big-eyed gaze haunting him that he discovered she
was innocent, and there was a plot on her life. Now he must race the clock and the
wild badlands to try and save his wife – and convince her to stay.Buy linksAmazon http://www.amazon.com/Shotgun-Bride-ebook/dp/B00BT4GDD4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365102716&sr=8-1&keywords=karen+loppFind Me Here
Websitehttp://karenlopp.com/Twitter http://twitter.com/Karen_loppFacebook http://facebook.com/authorkarenlopp -
Western Romance: Heap of Trouble #RLFblog
Lorrie Unites-
Struiff, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, A Heap of TroubleGenre: Western Romance, Action, HumorPublisher: MuseItUP Publishing.Cover artist: Suzannah SafiLength: 150 pagesHeat rating: PGSheriff Cole chases Mattie, who steals his heart, Beggar, a monkey who steals the townspeople’s jewelry and a gang that steals cattle.Sheriff Cole Walker is fearless– except when it comes to critters. When a thieving, runaway, ringtail monkey decides to move in with Cole and won’t leave, he has more woes than he can handle. Cole has a powerful yen for the newly arrived Mattie Wells, the pretty woman who can jingle his spurs with just a smile. Mattie takes a shine to men who have pets, and she adores the monkey—as does all the townsfolk. So, Cole must put up with the troublesome critter. Mattie is holding a dark secret and refuses to get married. Cole pushes to pry out her secret and change her mind while harboring a secret of his own.A gang of rustlers is roaming the hills and stealing the Double J’s cattle. JJ blames the farmers and an all out war is in the making. Cole and his deputies, Wade and Sully, are given a month to find the thieves before Mayor Farley calls for outside gunslingers. Yep. Cole has a heap of trouble on his hands.Buy links:Publisher http://is.gd/LUli4uAmazon http://amzn.com/B0099VXLLG/What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?Cole Walker 28 Sheriff of Cold CreekMattie Wells 22 Shopkeeper’s daughter.Beggar, the runaway monkey. Who knows how old the imp is? Occupation-
Petty thief.Interview
How did you get your start in the industry?By writing short stories for ezines.What is the most important thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first started writing?Promote my books. With short stories I didn’t really have to, but now I’m trying to get my name and my books out there to readers.What websites do you visit
daily?Facebook, Pintrest, LinkedInIf you could change something about your first book, what would it be?Make it longer. I enjoyed writing it so much, I wish I had added more twists.What do you enjoy most
about writing?It’s fun, at least for me. I can let my imagination have free rein.If you could give the
younger version of yourself advice what would it be?Start writing now, stupid, while you’re young.How do you cope with stress
as an author?Not well. Lol. There is always so much to do and not enough time in the day. Besides, I poop out fast.Do things your family or friends do ever end up in a book?Heaven’s no. They would lynch me.What are some jobs you’ve done before (or while) you were a writer?I was a gold medalist dancer/teacher/manager of a big name ballroom studio. Ah the good slim and trim days.Which of your books would you recommend to someone who doesn’t normally read your genre, and why?A Heap of Trouble. It’s fun, has PG romance, action with cattle rustling, and a lot of humor with Beggar the monkey who is a petty thief. You can’t
help but like the combination.What do you think is the future of traditional publishing?I wish I knew, but I do think e-books are the wave of the future.What was the proudest moment of your life so far?My grandson is a classical pianist and in his first year of college. He is gifted. He started older than most kids and is already number one musician
in his school. To hear him play brings tears of pride to my eyes.Imagine you get to go on a dream vacation, but you have only one hour to pack and leave, and it starts
as soon as you finish this interview. What will you take with you and where will you go?A little cabin in the woods. I’d take my computer, sloppy clothes, and be totally alone to write. Hmm. Better take some food with me, too.What is your favorite holiday and why?New Year’s Eve. I like to watch the ball go down. I sigh, lean back in the chair and think, ‘whew, I made it another year.’ I know. I’m strange.What do you like to do when you’re bored?Watch the TV programs I have taped. I like many of them and thank goodness for DVR’s.If your life became a movie, who would you want to play you?Hmm. Tough one. Can I choose a young Kim Novak? Lol. Maybe I best go with the older one.If you were a color, what color would you be?Red.Please underline which statement is more like you:“I am a vacation spa because I am laid back and relaxed.”“I am a ten-countries in ten-days tour vacation, because I do things as fast as possible.”Please complete the sentences
I love pizza with mushrooms.I’m always ready for a dinner out with friends.When I’m alone, I love to do anything I feel like.You’d never be able to tell, but I always laugh at myself when I do stupid things.If I had a halo it would be tarnished.If I could go a vacation I’d take a 90 day cruise and see the world.I can never say no to a friend because I value them too much.Find Me Here
Facebook:https://facebook.com/home.php#!/lorrie.struiffPinterest: https://pinterest.com/811lms/You May Also Like
Read Born for This the new #Historical time travel romance by Maggie Blackbird @BlackbirdMaggie #FirstNations #Romance
#NewRelease The American Outsider the new #Contemporary by Homa Pourasgari @HomaPourasgari #RLFblog #WomensLit
A Model Engagement by Charlotte O’Shay @charlotte_oshay #RLFblog #contemporary
-
Character Interview: Texas Girl @authorkristina #RLFblog
What a Texas Girl Wants Kristina Knight, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk
about your book, What a Texas Girl Wants.Genre: Contemporary RomancePublisher: Crimson RomanceCover artist: Crimson RomanceLength: 52,000 wordsHeat rating: SensualTagline: What happens in Mexico
doesn’t always stay in MexicoBlurb:Kathleen Witte is a down-to-earth girl. She has to be, with the
family ranch on the verge of success. After seven months of keeping it all together
by swearing off men, however, Kathleen needs a bit of fun in the sun. Waking up
with a husband she can’t remember isn’t how she planned to blow off steam.The last thing Jackson Taylor wants in his life is a down-to-earth
girl. He has four weeks of freedom in which to find his birth mother. He’s done
well avoiding commitment until now, so when he wakes up on a Mexican beach with
Kathleen his first reaction is curiosity. When he spies the matching wedding rings
on their left hands curiosity turns to concern.Neither Jackson
nor Kathleen want to stay married, but when her family shows up, they have no choice.
Once back in Texas,
however, can they keep this all-business marriage from turning into an all-consuming
love?Buy links:Barnes and Noble: http://barnesandnoble.com/w/what-a-texas-girl-wants-kristina-knight/1110496096?ean=9781440544637iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-a-texas-girl-wants/id523130266?mt=11Interview with Kathleen Witte
Kathleen, tell us about yourself. What are you like?I’m a Texas
girl, born and bred, which makes it kind of funny that I fell for a city boy. But
then, Jackson was a Texas boy at one point! I train horses and live
on the same ranch where I grew up.What do you think is your strongest point?My determination. I set a goal and I go after it whole-heartedly.Do you have a weakness? (If so, what do you think it is? What
does your lover think it is? What does your enemy think it is?)Sometimes I become so focused on a goal that I miss the point
of living life. That’s what led me to Mexico, which wound up being a good
thing. But at the time, Mexico
felt like the biggest mistake of my life! Jackson
will say my greatest weakness comes when he does this kissing thing on the back
of my neck…What drives you to do the things you do? What makes you want
to be the “good guy?”
Saint’s Devilish Deal I think my drive comes from my grandfather, and my father to
a certain extent. Dad wasn’t always around when I was little, so I started trying
new things to get his attention. That didn’t always work, but my boldness did capture
my grandfather’s attention. Him being proud of my accomplishments keeps me trying
for even bigger goals.What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?Dark chocolate with sea salt. I know dark chocolate is technically
better for us than milk chocolate…but it tastes so good I feel guilty enjoying it.If you didn’t know how old you were how old would you be?Tough question. I think I’d like to be 28. Because at 28 I’d
be old enough to know better…and still young enough to get away with doing some
bad things…ha!A biography has been written about you. What do you think
the title would be in six words or less?Kathleen Witte, An Ordinary Girl.If money were not an object, where would you most like to
live?Texas,
exactly where I am. I’m a very lucky girl – I grew up in the best place in the world,
and now that I’m grown up I get to do the thing I love (train horses) and live there
with the best guy in the world (Jackson).
He comes and goes a little bit, because of his work, but Texas is definitely part of our lives.What song would best describe your life?I’m Just a Girl by Deana CarterIf you were a tool, what would people use you to do?Get the job done! I’m the type of person who can’t quit on a
task. I’m a hard worker…so I guess I’d make a good hammer.Picture yourself as a store. Considering your personality
and lifestyle, what type of products would be sold there?A little bit of everything. Saddles and tack, girlie dresses,
boots. I’m a General Store kind of girl.As a child, what was your favorite thing about school?The day being over! I wasn’t a bad student and school wasn’t
hard for me, but I had so much more fun on the ranch that I wished every day for
the 3 o’clock bell to ring.Tell us an embarrassing story that has to do with a pet. If
you have no pets, a story about a significant other will do. ^_^Probably one of my most embarrassing moments happened when I
was visiting U-TEP on a college preview weekend. I’m a small town girl and the campus
was huge, but I was so confident that I couldn’t do anything wrong! So I’m wandering
around the campus, not paying attention to where I’m going and I slammed into this
photographer guy – who was none other than my childhood crush, Jackson Taylor. I
had no idea what he was doing there and I was a little snippy with him. I broke
his camera…and it was just bad. That did not lead to us falling in love and living
happily ever after, not for a while. And he still teases me about that day!If you came with a warning label, what would it say?Warning: Contents are Combustible.Please Fill in the Blanks as Kathleen
I love pizza with extra cheese.I’m always ready for a picnic.When I’m alone, I think about my next To Do list.You’d never be able to tell, but I’m usually nervous.If I had a halo it would be crooked.If I could turn back time I’d ask Jackson out way back in college.I can never eat chocolate because I would never
stop.About the Author
Kristina Knight Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from
car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker,
she was a journalist. When the opportunity to focus a bit of energy on the stories
in her head, she jumped at it. And she’s never looked back. Now she writes magazine
articles by day and romance novels with spice by night. She lives on Lake Erie with her husband and three-year-old daughter. Happily
ever after.Previous Books:
The Saint’s Devilish DealBooks Coming Soon:
What a Texas
Girl NeedsWhat a Texas
Girl DreamsFind Me Here
Website: http://kristinaknightauthor.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/authorkristinaPinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorkristinaYou May Also Like
Have you read the modern western Romance The Sheriff’s Son by Barbara White Daille @BarbaraWDaille #RLFblog #ContemporaryRomance #Western
Meet Katherine Marsden from Gun Shy #romance @Diane_Saxon #RLFblog
Read A Room in Blake’s Folly the new #WesternHistorical by J Arlene Culiner @JArleneCuliner #RLFblog #Contemporary #Western
-
Why Keta Wrote Holding on to Heaven @ketadiablo #amwriting
Holding on to Heaven. Please welcome Keta Diablo as she takes over Romance Lives Forever for the day.– – –
Hi everyone, and thank you so much for stopping by Romance Lives
Forever.Some readers have asked me why I wrote Holding on to Heaven
so I thought I’d speak to that here. I’ve always loved history about the Civil War
– the battles, the thousands of lives lost and the boundaries that were often crossed
when family members choose sides. It wasn’t uncommon to find cousin fighting against
cousin or neighbor against neighbor. The Civil War was a deeply personal war for
many, and yet in the end, many didn’t know why they were fighting. I can’t think
of anything more horrible than to have our country divided over ideals, beliefs,
or principles to the point we take up arms against our brethren.
Dark Night of the Moon Imagine drawing a line across the United States – the top half of the
states fight for one side and the bottom for the other. And suppose you had family
down in Texas when you live in Wisconsin? I’m sure you can
see what the Civil War was one of our darkest times in history.Holding on two Heaven is, in essence, about a woman
named Lauren McCain who was raised in the deep South and moves to the North just
before the war broke out. Her loyalties are divided. She’s fallen in love with a
Northerner, carries his child, and yet her father and family hail from North Carolina. Now, toss
in the Dakota Sioux uprising in Minnesota
at the same time and the entire country is ablaze with fire and terror.Holding on to Heaven is an emotional story about
betrayal, grief, fate, and abiding passion. If you like reading about the Civil
War, I think you’ll love the story of brothers who love the same woman and yet,
love each other too (note: this is not a ménage and not a gay fiction). Oh, yes,
and there are a few twists and turns in the story. There is a happily-for-now ending,
but here’s the good news: Dark Night of the Moon, the sequel to Holding on to Heaven
was released January 2012. I promise there is a happy resolution to
the continuing saga.
“Comanche Ghost” Namaste, KetaBuy the book at http://amzn.com/B0073TYAKC/About the Author
Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest
part of the country on six acres of woodland. When she isn’t writing or gardening
she loves to commune with nature.Keta is a multi-published author in both erotic romance and gay
fiction. Her latest paranormal novel, Where The Rain Is Made, has been nominated
for a Bookie Award by Authors After Dark in the Best e-novel category. Keta’s books
have also received numerous Top Pick, Book of the Month, and Recommended Read awards
from the top professional review sites.You can find her on the net at the following places:Keta’s Keep, http://ketaskeep.blogspot.comKeta Diablo Books: http://ketadiablobooks.blogspot.comThe Stuff of Myth and Men, http://thestuffofmythandmen.blogspot.comKeta on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ketadiablo -
Interview with Lynn Cahoon
Bull Rider’s Brother. Welcome
to Romance Lives Forever. Tell us about your latest book, including its genre.
Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they?The Bull Rider’s Brother is a
series contemporary romance. It’s been called a modern western – but I think of
it as a book about home.Shawnee, Idaho is known for two things. Amazing
salmon fishing and the first local rodeo of the summer. For four friends,
growing up in Shawnee,
meant one thing, making plans to get out. Five years later, that wish has been
granted for all but one. What happens when they all get together again changes
five lives.When James Sullivan visits his hometown’s rodeo
weekend and learns that his high school sweetheart had his child – six years
ago – Lizzie’s world is thrown into turmoil. In The Bull Rider’s Brother, James
struggles with family and Lizzie questions the risk of love.What is the most important thing you do for your
career?Do things outside of writing.
I just went to Cincinnati
with my husband for a baseball weekend. We laughed, talked, and he listened
while I plotted through the new book in my minimalist way. And when I left, I
knew what the story was about. Finally.But I have to say being part
of a writing community is important as well. People to cheer you, critique your
work, and pass on opportunities are vital. I love my RWA chapter, MORWA. I
think being part of your community marks you as a professional.If you could give the younger version of yourself
advice what would it be?How long do we have? Okay, I
won’t talk about the running screaming from the first husband, or taking the
plunge to do something crazy rather than always taking the safe road.Or maybe that’s the answer. I’d
tell my teenage self to pack up your car the minute you graduate and head to California to live with
your big sister until you get a job or get into college. Then, get your advance
degree first, before having a child or getting married.So in other words, put
yourself first for once, especially when it matters.Is your muse demanding?My muse isn’t demanding, she
lets me get away with murder most of the time. I can push off writing without
repercussion. The problem occurs when the story’s not working. I got about
10,000 words into my most recent WIP and knew it wasn’t right. Something was
missing. Since I’m not a plotter, I had to go back and figure out what in the
goals and motivations was hanging me up.Once I found it, I rewrote
most of that story in my head before I went to sleep that night. The next day,
I was at the computer bright and early and pounded out the words.Are your stories driven by plot
or character?How do you balance a life outside of writing with
deadlines and writing muses?I’m a true believer in goal
setting, time management, and baby steps. When you look at the enormity of
writing a book, the number of words and scenes, it can over whelm even the most
confident author. So I set daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. I just
reviewed 2012 and planned out my intended writing projects for the rest of the
year.What is the craziest thing
you did as a kid, and would it ever end up in a book?What are some jobs you’ve done that would end up in a
book?The first book I wrote (and
finished) was a romance about a training designer. I’ve worked in training for
over ten years with a state agency so the material was easy to access. I knew
Melinda and her daily routine. But Melinda got to develop and implement
training for a corporate accounting software division. I got to write about
welfare rules and regulations.I’m thinking my stint waiting
tables during my divorce for food money may make it into a book or a story.If money were not an object, where would you most like
to live?I’d love to live in Seattle. A small condo
near the center of the city. If I had a yard, the maintenance is part of the
rent or condo fees. I like the energy of the city. I used to think NYC – but
money would really have to be not an object to live where I want to around 72nd
street.What song would best describe
your life?Rodney Atkins, If you’re
going through Hell – It’s a country song (naturally) and came out just about
the time I was doing chemo. I remember crossing the Mississippi
river on my way to get a shot to build up my blood count, the song
came on, and I just bawled. And then I followed the advice. I didn’t look back,
I just kept going.Funny, the big decisions of
my life all have a soundtrack. My divorce? Please Remember Me by Tim McGraw.Picture yourself as a store.
Considering your personality and lifestyle, what type of products would be sold
there?I’d be a country craft store.
I loved quilts and yarn and projects and antiques. That’s me.Please Fill in the Blanks
I love pizza with everything but olives.I’m always ready for talking about books.When I’m alone, I try to get a lot done.You’d never be able to tell, but I was a flag corp member
in high school.If I had a halo it would be
lopsided.If I could go to school forever, I’d be happy.I can never run for office because I can’t work a crowd
like the professionals.Find Me Here
Website: http://lynncahoon.wordpress.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LynnCahoonOther sites: http://www.newkidonthewritersblock.blogspot.com/Shawnee, Idaho is known for two things. Amazing salmon fishing and
the first local rodeo of the summer. For four friends, growing up in Shawnee,
meant one thing, making plans to get out. Five years later, that wish has been
granted for all but one. What happens when they all get together again changes
five lives.When James Sullivan visits his hometown’s rodeo weekend and learns
that his high school sweetheart had his child – six years ago – Lizzie’s world
is thrown into turmoil. In The Bull Rider’s Brother, James struggles with
family and Lizzie questions the risk of love.
+-+Copy.jpg)
.jpg)
