WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Hot Target Cowboy

HOT TARGET COWBOY is Book 2 in the Dark Horse Cowboys series by June Faver.  If there is one thing June knows, it's cowboys. She is from Texas, after all.

BLURB:

His loyalty is to his family.
But his heart belongs to her.

Eldest son Colt Garrett is the biggest, strongest and steadiest of the Garrett brothers. Colt accepts his responsibilities, knowing his future is tied to the land. Colt has stayed centered-but when he falls in love, he falls hard. He is mesmerized by Misty Dalton, the younger sister of one of his brother's friends.

Misty Dalton has held together a family plagued with problems since her mother passed away. But when the threats to her family turn deadly, Misty turns to Colt. If anybody wants to hurt Misty, they're going to have to go through the toughest of the Garrett boys first.

June Faver is one of my 'favorite' authors. Not only has she been a good friend and mentor for over thirteen years, but the woman can write! Proven through her multi-book contract with Sourcebooks in the Casablanca line as well as through the many workshops she has held at SavvyAuthors.  She is always up on trends in the industry and shares her finds with others so we are right up there with her.

But you're here about the book, HOT TARGET COWBOY.

I have to be honest, when she first told me the title, I was skeptical. I'm still not sure the title fits but once you get beyond that and into the story, you are once again carried away to Texas and the Garret compound. A ranch grown from grief and from love, forming a tight bond between the brothers as well as Big Jim, the father they love and respect. The Garrets are all about family... their own and others who might need a little help.

With that in mind, I was not surprised to see Colt, the oldest of the three Garrets, jump in to rescue Misty Dalton. He began by connecting with her younger brother, Mark. As soon as he made friends with the boy, I knew here was a hero I would want in my corner. He knew from the get-go Misty and Mark were part of a package... one he wanted to cherish. 

Through the twists and turns of the usual murders and suspense found in June's books, I found myself in love with Colt, just like I fell for Tyler in book one. 

Returning characters from Book 1 (Do Or Die Cowboy) include Leah. Leah married Tyler in Book 1 and is still showing her spitfire gumption when she stands up for Misty against Big Jim. You'll find not many stand up to that man without a bit of backfire. 

While you don't have to read the books in order, I recommend picking them both up. While you're at it, follow June Faver on the social media sights listed below so you will know when Book 3 - Full Throttle Cowboy - releases. 

I'm giving this book 5 quills not because June is a dear friend but because I LOVED the book... and I think you will too. 

Please visit/ follow June Faver on the links below

WEBSITE         FB          TWITTER          PINTEREST          GOODREADS          AMAZON

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHTS COMING SOON!

I will be bringing the author spotlight back, probably in a couple of weeks. The return will be based on when I can get Q & A back from authors. I didn't want to interrupt anyone's holiday season with office stuff. I'm contacting a couple of people today and will get the ball rolling.

In the mean time, I hope you'll come back tomorrow to check out my review of HOT TARGET COWBOY by June Faver. This is the second in her Garret family series.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I love the holidays. I really need that time to just chill. Let my brain filter through the clutter and be prepared to start a new year fresh.

I've been working in the background on several things. Sadly, very little on Book 2 of the Planned to Perfection series. While I know I have a self-imposed deadline for writing/ edits/ betas/ polish/ publishing I just can't seem to drag myself to the computer when Bob is home. He is my real life HERO and he ALWAYS comes first in my life. Not by his choice, but by mine.

Beginning today, I'm pulling out the yet untitled Book 2, set a new word count plan into action and get back to the book. I still need to research meetings with a couple of people.

I don't think I've told any of you yet, but Book 2 is centered around a young couple brought back together (there's that 2nd chance thing) through the events surrounding bringing home the remains of a Korean War Vet. I got the idea two years ago as I stood by the side of the road in solemn respect of a procession carrying Crpl. Donald Matney home to Seymour MO. Something about this young man spoke to me. While I've never believed in visiting someone at a cemetery, I find myself stopping by his resting place almost every time I travel through on my way to Springfield.

They say 'write what you know'. Many of my stories are influenced by my own personal experiences. I'm struggling with Book 2 because I really don't have anything to pull from. The other challenge I have is making sure I get all of the military information correct. I do not want to dishonor our service men and women by misrepresenting something. 

Now that Bob is back on the boat, I can dig deep into the research without being pulled away to fix dinner or go somewhere. Bob is planning to stay on the boat as long as they will let him so I know I have at least three solid weeks (okay probably only two since he will have been gone a week tomorrow). As much as I love having him home, I'm hoping he'll be gone 4-5 weeks this time out. I'll get caught up, maybe even a little ahead of the game and on a schedule again so I can be productive in short bursts when he is home.

 I'm off to research. 

Creative Blessings!

WRITER'S TIP THURSDAY - on Friday - Fran Thomas

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I am thankful for all the authors who've shared their time and stories with me this year.

~Angela

Fran's tip is all about finding your best writing time.

What works for me is to write first thing in the morning. If I allow myself to check email or look at Facebook, I usually don't get anything accomplished on my book that day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - The Lady Is A Mayor - Fran Thomas

When Geneva Porter finds herself interim Mayor in the wee hours of the morning, lack of sleep becomes part of pattern. Once incident after the other make for sleepless nights and lots of coffee.
One reason for loss of sleep is her attraction to property developer, Seth Connor. Aside from being drool-worthy, he is also wreaking havoc in her small Florida community of Calusa.  He brings the promise of bringing her precious home town back from the edge of bankruptcy. The promise divides the town between business owners who see the advantages and the garden club ladies wanting to protect an orchid species on the brink of extinction.

Fran Thomas brings the Yankee Hero and the Southern Heroine together early in the story and keeps them working together for common ground both in their business and personal relationship. This novella was a quick, enjoyable read. I look forward to Book 2 in this series.

I'm giving THE LADY IS A MAYOR:

You can purchase your copy of THE LADY IS A MAYOR at: 

AMAZON USA

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Fran Thomas

Today, I'm shining the final spotlight of 2018 on Fran Thomas

Let's get to know Fran:

BIO:
Fran Thomas was born in Pittsburgh. She never intended to live in Florida, but Fate had other plans for her. She resides with her husband on an island in the Gulf of Mexico and spends her time observing its quirky denizens and their antics.

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

Here's My Five:

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

For a time, I was the editor of the local newspaper. That job was an excellent source of ideas. Some of the events in my Calusa Town Tales actually did happen. I just twist them ever so slightly for dramatic or comic effect.

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

In this case, the setting. The books are set on an island strangely similar to where I live, but the names of landmarks, of course, are changed.

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

Geneva, the Mayor of Calusa, is most like me. As the title indicates, she is ladylike; however, she also likes to be in charge.

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

The most important part for me is finally finishing a book. I had seven or eight stories that I started and never figured out how to finish.

What’s the most romantic thing a guy can do (or has done) for you?

The most romantic thing to me is being listened to. I go off on tangents sometimes about music or some idea I’ve come up with, and my husband, bless him, acts as if what I’m telling him is interesting, whether it is or not.

Here are the THREE additional Fran chose:

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

I actually started writing when I was in fourth grade. Getting published took a lot longer. The first time I earned money from writing was in 1995.

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

I have always wanted to eat and mostly drink my way across Italy. Oh, I guess I’d take in some art and architecture while I was there.

City Girl or Country Girl

In spite of the fact that I have lived on a rural island in Florida for 20 years, at heart I am still a city girl. When I moved here from Pennsylvania, I spent the next year applying to jobs all over the country. None of them panned out, so I’m still here.

Let's talk about your book - THE LADY IS A MAYOR

BLURB:

Economy versus ecology

When the mayor of Calusa takes off in the middle of the night after emptying the bank account, Geneva Porter is left with the job of keeping the small, Florida town afloat. All she has to do is convince its quirky citizens to play nice. And keep her distance from the swoon-worthy hotel mogul.

Northern property developer Seth Connor thinks he’s found the perfect town for his new hotel. The gorgeous lady mayor is an added bonus. Half of the citizens are thrilled by his project, but the other half is determined the hotel isn’t going to happen. He is not about to take no for an answer from the town or from Geneva.

Excerpt

A puff of air shuffled the financial statements. Both women turned as the outer door opened and a tall, athletic man walked in. He wore gray, pinstriped pants, a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms dusted with blond hair, and a red power tie.

“Good morning, ladies,” he said, flashing a smile worthy of any dentist commercial.

The women greeted him in unison.

“Maybe you can help me out,” the blond man continued, his hazel eyes fixed on 

Geneva’s face. “My name is Seth Connor. I know I don’t have an appointment, but do you think your boss could possibly see me for a few minutes?”

“Our boss?” Geneva echoed. Her cheeks pinked at Seth’s stare, but she held his gaze.

“You mean the mayor?” Patsy asked. “You’re looking at her.”

“You’re the mayor of Calusa?” Seth asked, glancing from Patsy to the remains of the Crunchy-Creamy pastry still on her desk.

“No, sir, I’m not. She is. Meet Geneva Price.”

Geneva stood and extended her hand. Her slender fingers were enveloped in his. She took a steadying breath to regain her composure.

“Acting mayor. And as it happens, I can spare you some time,” she said. 

Fran is giving away a FREE copy of a short story, GIRLS OF THE MONTH to everyone who signs up for her newsletter. You can do that by going HERE a POP-UP should appear for you to fill out. (Note: If you have a pop-up blocker in place, then email Fran - address on her sidebar - and ask to sign up)

You can purchase your copy of THE LADY IS A MAYOR at: 

AMAZON USA

You will find Fran Thomas at these Social Media locations:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER  PINTEREST  GOODREADS  

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE