WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Do Or Die Cowboy + Giveaway

Okay, normally I would post a review of the book by our Spotlight Author but today I have something a bit different. A Character Interview.

DO OR DIE COWBOY hero, Tyler Garrett, has been kind enough to answer a few questions. Feel free to drool a bit when you look into his eyes. He's getting used to the attention.

Thank you for joining me today, Tyler.  Let’s get started.

Regarding the simple pleasures of life, what are some of the little things that make your day better? Spending time with the woman I love, and her daughter. Singing and playing my guitar for them and just making them smile. We like to go for a ride around the ranch. Seeing everything through Gracie’s eyes  is like seeing it for the first time. 

Who was your biggest supporter growing up?

My mom was the one who encouraged me to sing. We sang gospel songs in church, and she entered me in talent contests. My dad thought I had talent, but he just never saw me doing anything except ranching.

What are some of the events in your life that have made you who you are?

Growing up on the ranch was always positive. My brothers and I learned the value of hard work and to respect the land. Music has always been in my heart, so when my mom encouraged me to enter talent contests, I did my best to make her proud of me.

What risks are worth taking?

There are risks you can back away from and risks you have to take. If someone I love is at risk, I would always step up. No matter what.

What’s the first thing you noticed about Leah when you saw her?

First of all, I noticed how beautiful she was, and also how scared she looked. Her big brown eyes reminded me of a frightened fawn.

You and Big Jim had problems but home is home. What is special about the place you grew up?

My dad was a lot easier to get along with when mom was alive. After she passed, it was as though he realized how fragile life is, and he wanted to squeeze the most out of every day. I know it was his intention to gather as much land as possible because he has three sons to leave it to. He wants to ensure that each of us has a good life, and for him, that means life on the Garrett ranch.

They say children and animals have an innate ability to recognize the good in a person. What do you think Gracie saw in you that made her feel safe?

After everything Gracie and Leah had been through, I’m so glad Gracie was able to accept me as a positive person in her life and that she had nothing to fear from me. She knows I would lay down my life for her.

What is it about music that speaks to you?

Everything. I’ve always heard music in my head. It surprised me that no one else could hear it.

Leah had a rough patch in her life. What drew you to wanting to protect her?

She looked so frightened. Of course, she’s  beautiful but something just reached right into my heart. She was wound so tight I had to do whatever I could to keep her and Gracie safe.

What would be a perfect first date?

In our town, going to the Eagle’s Hall on a Friday night, is a lot of fun. They have a live band on weekends, so a lot of townspeople turn out to have a beer and take a turn around the dance floor.

Life seems to be on its own time table. Do you believe in fate?

Of course. Too many things in my life have just fallen into place. It had to be fate, that I met Leah when I was on my way to Dallas. We could so easily have missed each other.

What was the most influential turning point in your life?

Meeting Leah and Gracie. I thought my singing career was the most important thing in my life, but I was wrong.

What is the one thing you want to do differently from your parents?

For my mom and dad, the whole world was right on our ranch and in the nearby small town of Langston, Texas.  I’ve been on tour and I want to see more of the world, and take Leah with me.

What is your favorite season or holiday? And do the two coincide?

My favorite season is the fall. I love when it cools off and the leaves turn colors. I love all the holidays that bring my family together. The Garretts are a tight clan, but the holidays are a celebration of family.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Luckiest man alive.

If you could do one thing to surprise Leah, what do you think it would be?

I think she deserves a real honeymoon. I’d love to surprise her with a cruise or vacation to some tropical island where we can just relax and be with each other.

Author, June Faver, has introduced us to an incredible family in the Garretts. I look forward to introducing you to his brothers in the future. In the mean time, you can pick up your copy on 

AMAZON

GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY! 

Here is your opportunity to win your very own copy of Do Or Die Cowboy!

Over the next 3 days, you have the opportunity to win just by leaving a comment below. You MUST leave a comment to be entered. 

June is giving not one but THREE copies away. So I'm going give you the chance to win EVERY day. On Friday I will draw a name from Today, one from Tomorrow and one from Thursday. So make sure you come back every day and leave a comment. You can only win once, so if you your name is drawn for Today, then I'll draw another name for Wednesday/ Thursday.

BEST NEWS!   BEST NEWS!    BEST NEWS!   

If you are in the United States, you win a PRINT COPY!  International comments will be eligible for an eBook copy. So EVERYONE has the opportunity to WIN!

Once you've read Do Or Die Cowboy, you can keep up with June Faver on the following Social Media sights:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    PINTEREST    GOODREADS

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - June Faver + Giveaway!

I first 'met' June Faver on line almost twelve years ago through Candace Havens' yahoo group. We were in a sprint group together. Since then we have become good friends. She was kind enough to offer me a place to sleep during one of my trips to Texas.

June is a superb writer, having Indie-published multiple books before signing with Source Books. Her Dark Horse series is an amazing collection. You'll want them all, trust me! Be sure to read all the way through to learn more about the goodies June is offering today.

So let me introduce you to June Faver

BIO:

June/J.D. Faver loves Texas, from the Gulf coast to the panhandle. Her novels embrace the heart and soul of the state and the larger-than-life Texans who romp across her pages. A former teacher and healthcare professional, she lives and writes in the Texas Hill Country.

Thank you for joining me today in The Writers’ Studio. Let’s get started!

Here are my Top 5:

I’ve always asked ‘where do you get your ideas’. So, where do you get yours?

I have no idea where the seed of a story idea comes from, but once I become obsessed with it, I sometimes even dream the story. I’ve had to jump out of bed to make notes before. Generally, the current book is always working in my brain. As I get to know the characters better, they reveal their personalities, strengths and weaknesses and idiosyncrasies. 

Which comes first, the story, the characters, or the setting?

I wish I could tell you that I have some kind of formula for writing, but that’s not the case.  I’m never at a loss for story ideas. I do have a bulging file of WIPs (Works in Progress). Some will never be finished, while burst forth into fruition. Once I got a story idea from a news story about border immigration and another time someone said the phrase, “throw-away babies” and I totally freaked out, but it sparked a story.

Which of your heroines most represent you, or the ‘you’ you’d like to be? Why?

I think I’m most like Chloe Solis in my South Padre Island series> Bad Medicine is the first. She always leads with her heart. She is fiercely loyal and shares many of my human frailties.

What is the single most important part of writing for you?

I love to write and would be writing even if my words never got published, but the most thrilling part of writing is when someone reads and ‘gets it’. It’s the ultimate validation.

Self-care seems to be a trend these days. What do you do to pamper yourself?

My days start with a simple ritual of greeting the new day. I have Minx, a precious small rescue dog (Rat Terrier/Chihuahua) and we go out early to perform our ritual. Hers involves patrolling her domain to make sure there are no squirrels or deer around. Yes, she will fiercely chase deer from our part of the woods. After she ensures that we are safe, she comes to lie beside me on the porch, her ears perked up and alert for danger. My part of the ritual involves sitting in my big wicker chair, breathing, admiring the colors of the sky and listening to the incredible bird songs, and most of all...finding my center. Just being thankful. I water the growing things and make sure both bird baths are filled. Yes, it’s a year round thing. Love to sit out in the rain. Minx, not so much... 

June's Top 3:

How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

My second grade teacher, Sister Anastasia, let me write, cast, direct, and act in the 3-Act Plays I wrote. She gave me a box of colored chalk so I could draw the sets on the 3 blackboards. She was my patron saint and gave a portal for those stories to come tumbling out. Yes, I was 7 years old. 

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

LOTS!!! It just creeps in. I find myself writing in things that have happened to me or someone I know...and I sometimes write a character with mannerisms I’ve observed in others. No one is exempt.

If money were not an object, where would you most like to travel?

Anywhere with a white sand beach, gentle offshore breezes and lots of seafood and fresh produce. Oh, and a sail boat. Heavenly.

Thanks for letting us get to know you a bit. Now let's talk about the book! I have been in love with this series from the beginning

BLURB:

Putting it all on the line for love...
Cowboy musician Tyler Garrett has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put aside his rough-and-tumble rancher's lifestyle and realize his dream. He's on the road to Dallas to record a demo when that dream gets kicked sideways by a beautiful woman on the run.

Leah Benson will do whatever it takes to keep her daughter safe. But when her dangerous past catches up with her, she needs a hero—and luckily for her, Tyler Garrett was born and bred for the role.

Dark Horse Cowboys Series:
Do or Die Cowboy (Book 1)

EXCEPRT:

The dog began to lap noisily. Leah knelt down beside him to run her hand over the silky fur. “Good boy” she whispered and rose from her crouch. When she turned, she ran smack into a brick wall. A warm muscled brick wall with arms. She stifled a scream as she pushed off the wall and was gathered into a rough embrace.

“Easy, Leah.”

“Oh, Ty! You scared me.” Swallowing hard, she braced her hands against his powerful bare chest. The sensation sent her heart into a flutter. Longing surged through her. Longing for what, she wasn’t quite certain, but longing nonetheless.

“Sorry,” he murmured, his voice deep and raspy. “I thought Lucky was getting into something.” He held her firmly against his warm torso.

She swallowed again. “N—No, I’m sorry I woke you.” Gazing up, she couldn’t read his expression in the darkness.

He expelled a breath, staring down at her moon-washed face. “You are just too pretty for my own good.” 

Released August 28th, you will find your copy of DO OR DIE COWBOY on Amazon

Want to find out more about forthcoming books in the Dark Horse series? Check out June's Project Page

GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY!   GIVEAWAY! 

Here is your opportunity to win your very own copy of Do Or Die Cowboy!

Over the next 3 days, you have the opportunity to win just by leaving a comment below. You MUST leave a comment to be entered. 

June is giving not one but THREE copies away. So I'm going give you the chance to win EVERY day. On Friday I will draw a name from Today, one from Tomorrow and one from Thursday. So make sure you come back every day and leave a comment. You can only win once, so if you your name is drawn for Today, then I'll draw another name for Wednesday/ Thursday.

BEST NEWS!   BEST NEWS!    BEST NEWS!   

If you are in the United States, you win a PRINT COPY!  International comments will be eligible for an eBook copy. So EVERYONE has the opportunity to WIN!

Once you've read Do Or Die Cowboy, you can keep up with June Faver on the following Social Media sights:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    PINTEREST    GOODREADS

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

Hello everyone!

I'm enjoying a fabulous week in Eureka Springs Arkansas at the Inn of the Ozarks. This hotel is the only one I'll stay. The rooms are always clean, the staff amazing to work with. Great food at their restaurant, Myrtie May's....

I could go on, but I brought you here today to introduce you to a special little friend. Her name is Minx. She owns my author buddy, June Faver. June will be dropping by September 4, 5 and 6th to show off her first traditional-published release, Do or Die Cowboy.  Man, wait til you meet Tyler Garret. Y'all are going to fall in head over cowboy boots for this one.

Okay, back to Minx. June's neighbor took this video of her little dog and June didn't have any way to view it so asked if I would help her out.

June says: This is Minx, my Rat Terrier/Chihuahua rescue girl. She's been my constant companion for 9 years. I didn't even know I needed a dog until I brought this little sweetie home.

June, this one's for you!