Tag: writing romance

Cowboys

Three Weeks with a Bull Rider Ch 1 Excerpt

 Chapter 1  “You’re really not gonna come with me?” Eyes wide, Jace Mills stared across the driveway at the man who was supposed to be his best friend. “It’s not that I don’t want to.” Leaning back against his truck, Tucker Jenkins drew in a deep breath and let it out in a huff. “Don’t you understand? I can’t.” Jace ran his hand across his forehead beneath the band of his cowboy hat. “Because why again?” “I told you already.” “Tell me one more time, just so I can be sure I heard you right the first time.” Jace waited for the response. He already knew the answer but he needed to hear Tuck admit the foolishness out loud again. Maybe this time he’d realize how stupid he sounded. Tuck sighed. “I have plans to go out with Becca and Logan and Emma.” “And this double date of yours is to where, exactly?” Jace made sure he stressed the most ridiculous part—the cozy couples outing that somehow took precedence over Tuck riding in a competition. Another sigh proceeded Tuck’s answer. “A winery in Drumright.” “Yes, indeed. A winery.” Jace nodded, lips pursed. “You hate wine. Always have. You do remember […]

Romance Novels

Classic Romance Tropes – Opposites Attract

A month or so ago I discussed one classic romance theme, the marriage of convenience, and how it has changed over the years even though it still exists and remains a reader favorite. You can read that post HERE. Today, I bring you another classic trope still going strong–opposites attract. This is a major theme in my upcoming release, ONE NIGHT WITH A COWBOY. Tucker is a part-time bull rider and full-time career military man from Oklahoma. He likes big trucks, barbecue beef, a good rodeo, and a nice day of fishing at a peaceful lake. Becca is a native New Yorker and a professor of English. She has a doctorate degree, loves books, wine, shopping, and big city culture. But all things are equal once the clothes come off. The question is, is that enough? AMAZON paperback AMAZON US KINDLE AMAZON CANADA BARNES & NOBLE BOOKS A MILLION POWELLS iTunes / iBookstore ONE NIGHT WITH A COWBOY An Oklahoma Nights Romance, Book 1 One Sweet Ride… Oh yeah. A single look at the leggy blonde in the stands and Tucker Jenkins is ready to buck all night long. It’s time to forget all about his cheating ex and his […]

Romance Novels

Classic Romance Tropes – the marriage of convenience

Classic romance tropes, those tales that have been told and retold for centuries. The Harlequin-esqe themes that have kept that publishing house in business, and at the top of the romance world, for years. Classic themes of love are everywhere–even in that newest sensation. You know the one, the book that shall  not be named. I personally consider Voldabook (AKA 50 Shades) just another retelling of the Cinderella story, where the plain Jane meets the prince, or sheikh, or millionaire (or billionaire, to account for inflation). He falls hopelessly in love with her and moves heaven and earth to be with her. Only in this version, he’s a damaged ‘prince’ wielding duct tape and a belt and only her love can save him. Anyway, today I’m focusing on another classic romantic device, the marriage of convenience. You know the type–the love story is centered around a couple who has to get married for any number of reasons, usually because his/her family needed the money to save the family land or title or whatever. Since I write contemporary westerns, I don’t have any titled ladies in danger of losing their family castle because it’s been entailed and will go to the next […]