What do I like on my hot dog? by Rhonda Lee Carver

 Hi, y'all! I CANNOT believe we're halfway through March already. Where has the month gone? This year? I am excited that we're one month closer to warmer weather. Spring is such a wonderful, renewing time for every living thing. The trees and flowers blossom. Plants grow. Fur babies are born. Each morning brings with it a scent that is unexplainable...the scent of spring. 

I'm always getting questions from readers. Mostly they relate to my books, and sometimes they are questions that relate to me personally.  I've decided to answer a few of them here. Be prepared, some will bring a laugh...

What is your favorite alcoholic drink?

I'm not a big drinker. I grew out of that stage years ago, but at times I do enjoy a cocktail. My fave is a lime margarita...not mango, peach, raspberry...lime. With a ring of salt, not sugar. 

In some of your videos you're wearing glasses. Are they prescriptions?

No. Actually, I can see perfectly, except for up close. Age has done a number on me, and I need readers.

Mustard or Ketchup on your hot dog?

I haven't eaten a hot dog in a very long time. I guess if I had to choose, I'd go with mustard. The only thing I eat ketchup with is fries.

If you were reincarnated, what would you come back as?

That's an easy decision. One of my characters :)

Would you choose three million dollars or a vacation house on the beach?

That is a hard one. I'd have to flip a coin. I chose heads for the money, and it came up tails.

Lace or satin?

There's a time and place for both.

Name some pet peeve of yours.

Don't pretend to be my friend then not have friend qualities. If I'm your friend I have your back, through thick and thin. I put a lot of stock in good friendships and they're hard to find these days.

I have zero tolerance for someone taking something I said, jumbling it sideways to make me look bad, then that person playing innocent. Nope, can't do that. Those who know me realize I'm one to say it straight. 

NOW ONTO THE BEST STUFF...

I have FOUR, yes FOUR, preorders right now and you don't want to miss these.

Purchase them here!

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Dr. Edwin James - A Doctor Who Made History In Colorado

 Post by Doris McCraw aka Angela Raines

Photo of Pikes Peak 
by the Author

Pikes Peak - The easternmost mountain on the Front Range of the Rockies. Coming west, this mountain is what most travelers will see first. Although seventy miles south of the Denver area it was the rallying cry for those who rushed to the Rockies in the 1859 Gold Rush. Most also know that Zebulon Pike attempted to climb the peak that now bears his name in 1806. However, how many know Dr. Edwin James was the first documented white man to reach the summit?

Who was Edwin James and did he summit alone? Read on to find out.

James actually was said to have two other men with him, but so far I've yet to locate their names. In the journal from the Long Expedition', their names have not been found as I read through it. If you would like to read the whole of the book on the 1819-1820 Expedition a copy can be found on Google Books that you can read for free. (Account of an expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains, performed in the years 1819, 1820.)

Image of Dr. Edwin James
from Wikipedia

What some may not know is after James' journey to the West he continued to work as a physician along with continuing his studies in botany and geology. While at the University of Michigan, where he was a professor of natural history, it is said he helped to establish the universities natural history Museum.

Some records say that he continued to remain active in the scientific community by corresponding with other naturalists about their findings along with his own findings and observations.

Toward the end of his life, James moved to the town of Burlington Iowa where he died on October 12, 1861, at around the age of 78. After his death, the New York Times was quoted as saying James was, "one of the oldest and most eminent scientific men and the United States."

What is most fascinating to me, I grew up near Burlington, and only really learned James' story after moving to Colorado. Just goes to show you're never too old to learn.

If you would like to learn more about the early women doctors in Colorado Springs, my book: Under the Stone: Early Women Doctors in Evergreen Cemetery" is a quick overview of the subject.

Until Next Time: Stay safe, Stay happy, and Stay healthy.

Doris

Judd Romeo, My Kentucky Cowboy by Jan Scarbrough

Meet my hero Judd Romeo in Kentucky Cowboy as the heroine Mandy meets him for the first time since high school.

Fisting her hand, Mandy pounded on the door. Then she stuck both hands into her pants pockets, knocking her car keys out of the right pocket. She bent down to pick them up.

The door opened and a pair of hand-tooled, black leather cowboy boots stepped into her line of vision.

For an instant, Mandy forgot to breathe, and then her breath came too quickly. Her heart raced. She glanced up. Up past the pointed toes of expensive leather boots, past tight Wranglers, past a big gold belt buckle pressed against a flat belly and a white Western shirt that delineated a broad chest and brawny arms, and into the piercing blue eyes of Judd Romeo.

She tipped her head back, unprepared for what she saw. Time seemed to stand still. Judd shifted his stance and flashed his familiar, bad boy smile. There was a Colin Farrell edginess about him, a sexy untamable quality that welled up from every fiber of his cowboy persona.

“Hello, Mandy,” he said.

Judd is a bull rider, a member of the PBR, the Professional Bull Riders, established to bring mainstream attention to the sport. Mandy has never appreciated his love of bull riding. It’s too risky and foolhardy. Only Judd's mother understood his passion.

His mother had known Judd wanted to be a champion bull rider. He really wanted it. Deep down in his soul.

It had nothing to do with the money. Not even the million-dollar bonus. He wanted to win the championship because he wanted to wear the gold belt buckle that proved he was the world’s best.

Knowing the motivation of a bull rider was important in grasping Judd’s character.

She glanced at the makeshift bucking bull hanging between the trees. “Why do you ride bulls?”

It was a long moment before he answered. “It’s a sensation that’s hard to explain—the greatest sensation imaginable. That shot of adrenaline when you leave the chute is addictive.”

Her eyebrows drew together at his words. “But it’s so dangerous. Men have been killed trying to ride bulls.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand the appeal. It can’t be the money, because your mom told me you barely made ends meet during most of your career. Why have you stuck with it for ten years?”

Judd flashed a sudden confident smile. “It’s quite simple, really,” he said, giving her a once over with a look that curled her toes. “I like to make the crowd cheer. I like to win.”

From https://www.facebook.com/pbr

A reviewer on Amazon recently validated my characterization of Judd. She said, “We are bull riding fans at our house so this book was particularly interesting to me. Ms. Scarbrough must either be a diehard fan of bull riding or did a lot of research of the sport of bull riding and interviews with bull riders because she really relates to the passion these young men have.”

I’d say Judd Romeo is one of my most favorite characters. If you’ve read my contemporary western books, tell me the character you liked.

Buy Kentucky Cowboy at most ebook retailers. https://books2read.com/KYCowboy

Pink Pistol Sisterhood

 

Eleven bestselling, award-winning authors have combined their talents and efforts to create a sweet romance series that honors the influence Annie Oakley had over women during her reign as “Little Sure Shot.”

 In the new series, entitled Pink Pistol Sisterhood, a one-of-a-kind pink-handled pistol is gifted to Annie Oakley. The pistol comes with a legend, one promising that whoever possesses it will find true love.

 Annie gives the gun to one of her students and sets the whimsical journey in motion that starts with In Her Sights by Christy Award-winner Karen Witemeyer. The pistol travels from woman to woman beginning in 1893 and wrapping up with a modern-day conclusion in USA Today Bestselling Author Jessie Gussman’s contemporary romance Pistol Perfect.

 The books will release on Amazon every ten days beginning March 30, with the final book releasing July 10. 

In Her Sights

Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.

 Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.

 When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.

Order In Her Sights today!

  

My contribution to the series is Love on Target.

It releases April 10, but you can pre-order the order the book now. 

Love on Target

 Will romance hit its mark when true love is the target?

 Desperate for a fresh start, Rena Burke journeys from Texas to Oregon with only her father’s pistol and a plodding old mule for company. She takes a job working with explosives at a mine, spends her free time emulating her hero Annie Oakley, and secretly longs to be loved.

 Saddle maker Josh Gatlin has one purpose in life and that is his daughter. Gabi is his joy and the sunshine in his days. Then he meets a trouser-wearing woman living life on her own terms. Rena is nothing like his perception of what he wants in a wife and mother for his child, but she might just prove to be everything he needs.

 When tragedy strikes, will the two of them be able to release past wounds and embrace the possibilities tomorrow may bring?

 

Also, readers can download four free magazines that highlight the authors, feature excerpts, and include recipes, games and a map that shows the journey of the pistol.

The first issue of Pink Pistol Magazine is out now!

 

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with heart, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at shannahatfield.com

We've Got Your Yellowstone

By Kristy McCaffrey

If you enjoy the western television series "Yellowstone" starring Kevin Costner, then please check out this promo of contemporary cowboy romance books.

Includes my novella, BLUE SAGE.

Braden Delaney has taken over the family cattle business after the death of his father, but faced with difficult financial decisions, he contemplates selling a portion of the massive Delaney ranch holdings known as Whisper Rock. Archaeologist Audrey Driggs has come to the remote wilderness of Northern Arizona for clues to a life-altering experience from her childhood. Together, they’ll uncover a long-lost secret.

 

Blue Sage Excerpt

Northern Arizona
September

The damned calf was stuck in the brambles again.

Braden Delaney swung down from his horse, his spurs jangling, and approached the mewling youngster. The calf thrashed in a mess of bushes beneath a stately juniper tree with shredded, red-colored bark. It reminded Braden of pulled-pork barbecue. It was on the menu tonight if Lewis, wrangler and cook during roundups, had been telling the truth this morning before the five of them had headed out.

It was late in the day and Braden’s stomach rumbled in response.

He’d take care of this problem and then head back to base camp—two airstream trailers and a horse trailer with a built-in bunk for Braden.

Braden knocked the brim of his Stetson up a notch and went to work prying the animal from the tangled jumble of branches. His gloved hands made fast work of the situation, and before long he’d set the calf on all fours. The animal took off at a lope, headed toward a band of larger cows, one of whom was likely his mama.

“You’re welcome,” Braden uttered under his breath.

It was the third rescue he’d performed on the calf in the past two days. The contrary little beast had a knack for wandering and getting into untenable predicaments. He should just usher it to the makeshift corral a few miles to the southeast, but Braden wasn’t quite ready to bring in this cluster of cattle, and he didn’t want to separate the calf from its mother.

Billy Lasco, his range foreman, would be up in a few days with two large semi-trucks to collect the cattle they’d gathered and transport them to the Delaney Ranch fifty miles to the south. Braden would guide the wayward calf and his mama into camp then. His current plan was to simply flush the cows and steers hiding out in the rocky hillside into the open plain below.

As he returned to his horse, a scream and a crash spun him around.

Had a steer just rolled down the slope? Braden circled, searching for an injured critter.

But it was no animal.

A woman lay on her back, grimacing.

Braden moved quickly to her side. “Are you all right, miss?”

She pushed to sit, leaves and sticks in her brown hair, askew in a haphazard ponytail. She wore trail pants, hiking boots and an ivory t-shirt. His eyes jerked back to the shirt, not sure he’d read correctly the word printed on it. Yep, he had. BOOBIES covered the spot where those very things resided, round and nicely shaped. Then he saw the image above the word—two birds with blue feet. Blue-footed boobies. Despite the dire situation, a smile tugged at his mouth.

Find your next western read here.

Greetings ~ Raine Rochelle

 Hello,

I hope this finds you well. At such a tumultuous time, it’s good to be able to lose yourself in a good book, whether it be reading or writing one.

I’ve been working on Book 2 of The Johnsons of Junova, Heartbeat, which is Sam Johnson’s story. Sam is the drummer in the band, and, despite his instrument of choice, is one of the quieter members of the family.

Often in the shadow of his older brother Kurt, Sam has always hankered to be more like him. He even dyes his hair to look a little more like him, but in his own story he discovers that he just needs to be himself.

Sam has fallen for a girl he met at the hospital while visiting his dad recently. But things don’t go too well for him right from the beginning as this excerpt shows:

He mounted the horse and tried to start with a slow trot. Unfortunately, the horse had other ideas. It was very skittish, and threatened to rear up again. Sam kept control and calmed it a little. Then it bucked, causing Sam to hold on for dear life, before it stamped heavily and then raced off around the paddock.

All Sam could do was hold on tight and try to calm the massive beast as it ran around the training field.

“That’s it,” Ron called out to him. “Just ride it out. He’ll get tired and start to behave soon.”

Sam didn’t find his words much of a comfort. How soon was soon? Usually he loved being on a horse, but this animal was bucking and rearing all over the place, making for a very uncomfortable ride.

“Whoa, come on, buddy, settle down.” He kept his tone calm as he continually coaxed the horse to slow down, and eventually it paid off.

He could feel when the beast started to relax a little, and he stroked its mane to pacify him. The horse had given him a good run for his money, there was no denying it, but Sam was relieved when it slowed to a canter, before he could finally get it to stop.

Ron grinned, hurrying over to them. “I think you might have to try that all over again, son. That animal needs showing who the boss is around here, and it sure ain’t him.”

Sam gaped at him before realizing he was just kidding. He closed his eyes with a huge sigh of relief. “Man, you really had me going there for a second.”

“Not as fast as he had you going, son.” Ron chuckled. “He sure is a feisty one. You did well to hold on.”

“I didn’t have much of a choice. I knew if I fell at that speed I’d do myself some serious damage, not to mention run the risk of getting trampled. This boy sure has an attitude on him.”

He climbed down, still holding onto the reins.

“That’s all you’d need today, to wind up at the dang hospital.” Ron grimaced. “What about that poor girl of yours?”

“That’s what worried me,” Sam admitted. She hadn’t been far from his mind all day, and he was determined he wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of him picking her up from the station later. He’d already ordered a beautiful bouquet from the florist in Brightside, which he’d collect on his way.

At that thought, he reached for his back pocket. His blood ran cold as he quickly checked the other, not finding his phone in either.

“My cell phone.”

Ron frowned. “I saw you put it into your right-hand pocket earlier.”

“It’s gone. It must have happened when the horse reared.”

“I’ll take him back. You have a good look around. It has to be here somewhere.”

Sam felt his heart hammering as he hurried back to where he’d started, scouring the field on his way. Then he saw it. Or, at least, part of it. Lying in the muddy snow. As he’d feared, it must have slipped out of his pocket while he’d been grappling with the horse.

He picked up the remains and stared at the state of it. Ruined. Just like his chances of seeing Lydia again.

 

As always, things are never that easy for the Johnsons, are they? I’ll keep you updated with the progress of the book—and Sam and Lydia’s relationship.

In the meantime, take care of yourself,

Raine

 

The Johnsons of Junova is a continuation of The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch that can also be read as a standalone series.

Book 1 in the Series, Heartstrings is available HERE

Don’t forget that The Billionaires of Brightside Ranch series is currently FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Character Interview with Burke Montgomery ~ Julie Lence

 October 2022 saw the release of my short Christmas story, All I Want for Christmas Is You, featuring Burke Montgomery and Camille Prescott from the Jackson Creek Series. Burke is the bartender at Landries and has had a soft spot for Camille ever since he arrived in Jackson Creek. Trouble is she wants someone else, someone he deems isn’t the right man for her. Our interviewer caught up with Burke at Landries to afford you the opportunity to get to know him better. As usual, Burke is presiding over the saloon from behind the bar, a soiled cloth in his hand as he rubs at an imaginary spot on the polished wood.

 

Thanks for meeting with me, Burke. What can you tell me about Camille Prescott? What did you think the 1^st time you saw her?  Landry—he’s the owner of Landries—and me had just come to town.  Houston didn’t hold our interest anymore, even with Landry owning a saloon there, so he sold the place and we headed west. We only stopped in Jackson Creek for food and a night’s sleep in a real bed. But Landry couldn’t sleep after we ate. He went for a drink and a game of stud. Next morning I found him where I’m standing now, learned he won this here watering hole over the last hand, same as he did the saloon in Houston, and was laying down the rules to the girlies that came with the place… rather, they was laying down the rules to him. There was three of ‘em. Patsy and Myrna are still here. Tawny married Landry’s brother and they moved to a ranch outside of town. Anyway,  Landry and me been friends since our days on the riverboat. I ran the saloon for him in Houston and figured I'd do the same with this one, only the kitchen was filthy. I went to the mercantile for supplies and that’s when I saw Camille. She was standing outside the mercantile’s door batting her eyelashes at some boy. Prettiest little thing I ever did see… and bold. (Burke pauses from rubbing at the wood to crack a fond grin.) Females like her… young, innocent… usually don’t flirt with a boy in broad daylight for the whole town to see for fear their ma will learn of their doings and take a paddle to their backside. (Burke’s grin widens.) But not Camille. She just kept on flirting with the boy. 

What was your 2^nd thought? That she should forget the boy and flirt with me. Her soft curves would fit perfect against me, but I knew she wouldn’t do as I wanted. I’m older than her… not much to look at… rough around the edges… I have a reputation, not quite as bad as Landry’s, but one that a proper girl such as her wouldn’t welcome. 

Do you think you fell in love with her at first sight? (Burke shrugs.) Don’t know.  Maybe. (He rubs at the imaginary spot on the bar again.)  She did set my heart to thumping. Then again, other females have done the same. (He stills his hand, stares at the wall across from him, his eyes clouding over.) Camille’s the only one who’s made my gut shake. I’ve laid awake a lot of nights staring up at the ceiling thinking about her. So yeah, maybe it was love at first sight. 

What do you like most about Camille? Her smugness. Most would be quick to say that’s a bad thing, but Camille’s smart. She knows what she wants in life and isn’t afraid to go after it, including pampering herself. That’s not to say she lounges in bed and demands others to wait on her. She doesn’t. She cooks, cleans, launders clothes, and affords a lot of care to her features and hands; something I appreciate and others consider arrogant or spoiled. 

How would Camille describe you? (Redness creeps into his neck and he rubs at the wood again.) She says she thinks I’m handsome and strong. I think she needs to have her eyes examined; I ain’t nothing special to look at. (He rubs harder at the spot.) She also says I’m a good man, sincere, and caring. And, she likes my smile. (He meets my gaze.) She’s the one who’s good and caring… and naïve to the things I’ve done, the men I’ve had to kill to stop them from hurting someone else.

What is your biggest fear? That the Lord will banish me to Hell instead of letting me spend eternity with her.

How do you relax? Before Camille, I’d grab a bottle of whiskey and seek solitude in my room. Now, I join her on the sofa and watch the flames flicker in the fireplace. Ain’t nothing on this earth better than her curling against me and caressing my chest. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Landry signed over ownership of the saloon to me just after the new year. Camille and I are planning to serve the noon meal 6 days a week. A lot of places in Dodge and Cheyenne do. She’s a good cook. I am, too, and five years from now, with the money we’ve earned, I see us having help at the saloon’s kitchen and two kids sleeping upstairs while she and I continue to relax on the sofa before the fire.  

Thank you for talking with me, Burke. You and Camille are a beautiful couple and your readers and I wish both of you a lifetime of happiness. Appreciate that.  

 To get the full scoop on how Burke turned Camille’s attention from the boy at the mercantile to himself, curl up in your chair with their story, All I Want for Christmas Is You. Available only at Amazon.

www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDGFKF7N