Morning dearlings. We've got Roxanne Snopek joining us today to chat about her new book His Reluctant Rancher that is chock full of delicious cowboys, a determined heroine and just a wonderful family that has been through hell and is overcoming everything put in their path. It's a lovely little read (hopefully I'll be able to get my laptop cooperating so I can get the review up today. If not it'll be up soon!). So check out the interview, leave Roxanne some love and enter that giveaway down at the bottom. ~Anna
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The last place city girl Desiree Burke expected to find herself was living at and working on a ranch, much less butting heads with the ranch’s sexy cowboy owner, Zach Gamble. But that’s exactly where she ends up after an incident at work leads her to her best friend Rory’s doorstep. Desiree is a gifted physical therapist, and Rory knows exactly where her brand of tough love is needed the most.
Zach’s been through hell and back. A devastating car crash left his brother gone, his father paralyzed, and him with mental scars a mile wide. His survivor guilt alone makes him sure he doesn’t deserve to find love. But as Des works her way into his ranch, his family, and his life, suddenly the last person who belonged there is the only one he believes belongs…with him.
Morning Roxanne! Thanks for joining us today :)
Thank you!
So, a huge congrats on your new release in the Three River Ranch series. Could you tell us newbies to the series a little bit about what we'll find when we visit the Ranch?
You’ll always find, ahem, extremely attractive cowboys. Think Joe Manganiello, Josh Holloway and Keith Urban. And my heroines are their equal match. One reviewer called Rory, my heroine in book #1 “the strongest female lead” she’d read in some time, which made me very happy! Plus, food, animals and angst. Always angst.
LOL Extremely attractive cowboys are always a plus ;) Desiree and Zach's story was wonderful. Did you have a favorite scene when you were writing their story? Or one you think will really resonate with readers?
Absolutely! Zach’s family feeds a colony of feral cats on the ranch, as part of their commitment to sustainable, humane ranching. This fascinates Desiree, who has always wanted a cat. Near the end, when her hopes of happily-ever-after are ashes, Zach gives her a kitten. You’ll have to read it and tell me what you think. Definitely my favorite scene to write!The note attached made me laugh for some reason Roxanne. I did love all of the animals in the story. They were such a great addition. So, how about telling us 3 behind the scenes fun facts about the series? Think pop-up video style :)
1) Some time ago I wrote a book about inspiring animal tales (called, wait for it… Inspiring Animal Tales) for which I had to do a fair bit of research into service animals. Rory’s labradoodle, trained to work with autistic kids came from that, as did Desiree’s idea to put her patient on a horse, to help him relearn to walk. *the horse therapy was pretty interesting!*
2) I also wrote a book on animal rescue, which is where I learned about mustangs, and where Carson’s mustang sanctuary came from.
3) My darling CEO/MBA very urban husband had pics taken of himself on a horse, dressed in hat/boots/chaps. This was years before I began writing this series. How can I not write about alpha cowboys, after that? *that. is. awesome.*
I saw that you were part of the Cat Writers Association (oh, okay, and the dog association too, we do like pups here at herding cats but the whole cats rule, dogs drool rule applies ;) lol). Had no idea those existed but how neat! Do you have your own little herd of critters that give you inspiration for their written counterparts?
Oh, friends, there are so many writers’ groups out there. I understand there’s even an association for beer writers. (I’m not a member.) And yes, you know I’ve got a crew of critters! We’ve got two mini poodles, and before you say anything, let me tell you my black boy is extremely masculine and responsible. A very serious dog. Nothing poofy about him at all. My daughter’s white mini however is all “mama’s precious angel” so feel free to make fun of her. We also have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel who is simply adorable – and most likely to die of a ruptured stomach, with her head in a bag of cat food. The cat food is for 27-lb Bryan (he came with the name) the largest of all our pets. We also have an ancient and sexually-frustrated cockatiel.LOL your boy sounds pretty cute in all his masculine seriousness. Alright, we're gonna let you get back to your herd but first...Think Quick Roxanne!
- City girl or country girl? Country! (as long as there’s high-speed internet!!)
- Favorite chapstick flavor? Blistex Herbal Remedy!
- Oddest thing in your purse right this second? A silver toothpick from Germany! (now that’s a souvenir) *okay, that's pretty neat*
- Favorite escape? Cathie’s Cottage in Tofino on Vancouver Island, BC. Look it up. When I’m rich and famous, I’m buying it.
- I'm obsessed with....? Dental floss. Cannot sleep until I’ve flossed. Also, my cuticles. Cannot live with hangnails.
- Chocolate, chocolate or, um, chocolate? Um, hello, Himalayan-salted CARAMEL!! *yum!*
Thank YOU, the pleasure was mine!
