I can’t wait until May. Why? Because in May my readers get to visit a brand new town in a duet I have coming out called Cadence Creek Cowboys (yeehaw!). This duet was the most fun I’ve had writing in a while. Why? Well, take a brand new Alberta small town setting, throw in some sexy, confident cowboys, and pair them up with a couple of damaged but unbelievably strong women and poof! A joy to write from start to finish.
That’s not to say there’s not a bit of seriousness involved. For those of you who know me at all, you know that my characters are usually facing some pretty big personal challenges. In book one, THE LAST REAL COWBOY, Sam Diamond is dealing with his father’s illness and what that means to the family, as well as butting heads with Angela Beck, social worker and Executive Director of Butterfly House – a special shelter for women who have escaped abusive relationships. Angela feels a lot of pressure to make the project a success, but she also has to face her own demons. Not necessarily light stuff. But throw in a ankle-biting escape artist called Morris (the cat), Sam’s warm and welcoming mother, Molly, and the shelter’s first resident, a sweet woman name Clara, and things balance out just right, I think.
Book 2, THE REBEL RANCHER is out in June – Clara gets her own story and you get to meet the legendary Tyson Diamond – and his reputation has definitely preceded him. Ty was one of my favourite heroes to write – EVER. A rebel by reputation but underneath he puts the gentle in gentleman. And Clara, despite being sweet as chocolate pie, has a spine of steel. The girl’s no pushover.
In some ways it was a challenge to write both Angela and Clara. Both have a lot of baggage to get past, a lot of trust issues and downright fear. But I also felt very strongly about giving them their happy-ever-after – because I truly believe that there is always hope. That even after the worst has happened, there can be someone out there for all of us who has patience and gentleness and strength. That everyone is worthy of being loved.
So the good news is you can buy THE LAST REAL COWBOY a month early here at harlequin.com. And if you’ve got a hankering for more, I have a reprint out right now too – my second-ever Harlequin Romance Marriage at Circle M is out in THERE AND NOW, by Linda Lael Miller.
Now, let’s hope those April showers kick in and bring some May flowers – up here in Canada we’re REALLY ready for winter to be done!
Oooh! These stories sound wonderful! Can’t wait to read them!
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 5:34 am.
Donna, This sounds like a wonderful series! I’m so excited to read both books. I love that your characters face difficult personal challenges, it makes them so real and their HEA all the sweeter.
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 6:22 am.
Your books sound fabulous Donna. Two more winners from our Rita nominee!
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 8:32 am.
Hi Victoria and Elizabeth! Hope you had a great Easter weekend!
Kirsten – that’s it exactly. I think having to work hard for a HEA makes it that much more satisfying. :-)
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 8:46 am.
I’m looking forward to reading both books. You write emotion so well, your characters always fight for their HEA in a way that makes me really root for them.
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 8:55 am.
I’m a quarter of the way into The Last Real Cowboy. I just started it this morning and I have spent most of my time writing, not reading. I figure the book will be finished before I go to sleep tonight. ;-)
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 9:00 am.
Thank you Paula. And Nancy, let me know what you think!
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 9:09 am.
Yay, Donna. A cowboy and Alberta, perfect. Your characters always leave me thinking about them long after I finish the book. They’re so real.
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 9:29 am.
The characters sound great, Donna! I love strong characters who “butt heads” but find out that they are truly great for each other!
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 10:10 am.
Donna, congratulations on a new release. It sounds right up my alley. Love the name Sam Diamond! And how wonderful that you have a re-release with Linda Lael Miller.
Wishing you much success, Filly sister!
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 12:30 pm.
Wow! They both sound like great books! I’ll have to pick them up!!
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 12:35 pm.
Donna, I will be looking for your two new books and looking forward to reading them. I love your characters. They have real problems, many which we will face some day. When I read A FAMILY FOR THE RUGGED RANCHER and PROUD RANCHER, PRECIOUS BUNDLE I could relate to characters in each book, having had similar experiences. You handled the situations in the books so well, it brought back memories and brought me to tears. I have no doubt your new books will be as well written.
I hope both books do well for you.
Posted on April 9, 2012 at 9:29 pm.
Patricia, thanks for saying that – both that they are real and that I handled them right. It’s hard sometimes, but even if I don’t have a lot of first-hand experience I try really hard to put myself in the position of my characters and how I would feel if I were them. I hope you find the same in the coming books. :-)
Posted on April 10, 2012 at 11:59 am.