My love affair with cowboys began before my interest in the male species developed. In all actuality, infatuation with cowboys grew out of my love for horses; a love that began before I could walk. Combine a love for horses with a love for reading and you wind up with a cowboy fanatic. After all, a cowboy without a horse is not really a cowboy, now is he?

Hi! My name is Pamela S Thibodeaux. I write “Inspirational with an Edge!” romantic fiction and I’d like to tell you a little about my favorite cowboys, but, before we get into the cowboys, let me tell you about the setting for my ‘Tempered’ series.

Self proclaimed as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” Bandera, Texas is one of the most visited cities in the United States where tourism is concerned. Located fifty miles north/west of San Antonio, Bandera County is dotted with working ranches as well as dude ranches. The town itself is pretty and quaint, the people are friendly and the décor doesn’t appear to have changed much since its inception in 1852. What better place to set a series of contemporary cowboy stories than in a West-Texas town which is stuck somewhere in time between two centuries?

One of my favorite childhood memories is when my grandparents took me with them to Bandera to visit a family friend. The thing I remember the most (other than the horses) is when we sat on the porch in the evenings, counted stars, and listened to the coyotes.

Now about those cowboys…..

Craig Harris, owner/operator of the Rockin’ H Ranch in Bandera, Texas tops the list in Tempered Hearts, book 1 of the series. Mix an arrogant, chauvinistic ranch owner and a feisty veterinarian and you get a recipe for disaster…or a flaming love affair.

Blurb: Rancher Craig Harris and veterinarian Tamera Collins clash from the moment they meet.  Innocence is pitted against arrogance as tempers rise and passions ignite to form a love as pure as the finest gold, fresh from the crucible and as strong as steel.  Thrown together amid tragedy and unsated passion, Tamera and Craig share a strong attraction that neither accepts as the first stages of love.  Torn between desire and dislike, they must make peace with their pasts and God in order to open up to the love blossoming between them.  It is a love that nothing can destroy when they come to understand that only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life. 

Next in line, Dr. Scott Hensley. More than a cowboy, Scott is the ultimate cowboy doctor and the perfect hero to heal the battered heart of heroine Katrina Simmons in book 2, Tempered Dreams. Although Scott is raised in Bandera, TX, this story takes place in Lafayette, Louisiana where he moved after the death of his wife and parents. His life-long friendship with Craig Harris–as well as the question as to whether or not the two are actually blood relatives–keeps the connection alive.

Blurb: Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

Third in line is Stanley Morrison, a horseman with the unique, God-given talent to pick, break and train horses into loyal creatures. His subtle, gentle approach can tame the wildest of beasts but can he prove himself worthy and gain the acceptance of wealthy ranch owner Craig Harris while winning the hand of his daughter? Find out in Tempered Fire, book 3.

Blurb: Amber Harris is a good girl on the brink of womanhood. Stanley Morrison is a young man at the start of his life. For each other, they have always felt the fireworks that two people in love should feel. But the questions about his past, his pride, and Amber’s father might be the end of what could be a strong relationship. As the two try to protect their budding romance, some unlikely but powerful forces conspire to keep them apart. Will they survive the wishes of everyone around them with their relationship intact?

Last but certainly not least is All-Around-Cowboy, Ace Harris. The only son of Craig and Tamera Harris, Ace is more than a cowboy; he’s a champion bull rider. But Ace is determined not to fall in love. The death of his mother leaves a hole in his heart and emptiness in his soul. Along comes Lexie Morgan (Scott & Katrina’s adopted daughter) who thinks rodeo cowboys have “rocks for brains and a death wish for a soul.” Can these two young people who clash from the onset learn to trust in the healing power of God and find love and happiness amidst tragedy and grief? Find out in Tempered Joy, book 4.

Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams & Tempered Fire are available now in Ebook and Print from Com Star Media, LLC.

Tempered Joy will be released this year.

Well folks, now that you know about 4 of my favorite cowboys, I’d love to hear more about yours!

Until later remember….only when hearts are tempered, minds are opened and wills are softened can man discern the will of God for his life.

Pamela S Thibodeaux 

“Inspirational with an Edge!”

PS: One lucky commenter will receive a .pdf of Tempered Hearts, book 1 in the series!

In my last post we  took a peek into my heroine’s carpetbag, giving us a view of Lily’s attire.  Last week I received the cover for THE GUNSLINGER’S UNTAMED BRIDE, and I was thrilled to see Lily in the background wearing a fabulous fashionable dress of her era.  Juniper is looking deliciously dangerous, his Stetson tugged low on his brow, hands hovering above his revolvers…his range coat whipping in the wind–which hopefully isn’t too chilling, as he didn’t have time to pull on his shirt.

I thought I’d take a look at the guys this time around.  Namely of the Cowboy variety.  While Juniper Barns is an ex-gunfighter in THE GUNSLINGER’S UNTAMED BRIDE, he’s also an ex-cowpuncher/cowpoke. I read somewhere that these terms came into use in the stockyards where cowboys used poles to prod (punch/poke) cattle into the appropriate pen and up the ramps of  loading chutes. 

When I think of cowboys, I automatically think wide-brimmed hats, range coats and cowboy boots! In the book I’m currently writing (third in my WILD series) Garret Daines is a cowboy to the root of his soul.  Raised on the cattle trail, he’s finally owner of his own cattle ranch–which he’ll have to fight to keep.  His cowboy attire isn’t just hunky…it’s necessity, designed for his life in the saddle, and as much a part of his job as his horse and trusty cowdog.  Garret’s dog is a fun addition in this book.  Boots was a Christmas gift in the first WILD book, and saves Garret’s life in his own book. 

Here’s some fun facts on rugged Cowboy duds, listed head-to-toe, and how they protect and assist him:

Cowboy Hat - a cowboy’s trademark, and usually made of high quality, durable felt. The wide brim shaded his eyes and protected his face and neck from the sun, as well as tree branches. In the rain, his hat acted as a mini umbrella and kept him warm–and could also be used to dunk into a watering hole for a drink.

Bandana - or as Lily calls it, “a multi-purpose tool”, provided extra sun protection and was also used as a dust mask while driving herd.  Juniper found his handy for tying up an unruly woman, and then as a useful bandage after her retaliation. 

Long Johns - while not the sexiest of his attire, these one-piece suits were usually made of red wool and served an essential purpose.  They kept him warm in winter, and in the summer, they also kept him cool.  The wool would absorb his sweat, acting as a coolant, and preventing his shirt from rotting.  Juniper likely could have benefited from a pair, as his shirt seems to have turned to dust 

Shirt - long sleeved with a collar, even in the summer, again to provide protection from the sun, thorns, branches, and steers. 

Duster - Long coat, range coat, this cowboy jacket was usually made of oiled canvas and would act as a rain slicker in wet weather and also protected him from the dust and thorny scrub.

Gloves - A cowboy needed a pair of buckskin gloves to prevent rope burns.

Pants - My cowboys tend to like denim britches, though wool was the most common.  Levi’s were available in the 1800’s and worn by some cowboys, but they began mainly as mining attire.  Suspenders were also used to hold up his britches.  Belts and decorative belt buckles didn’t gain popularity until the 1900’s.

Chaps - a sexy addition to any cowboy, or cowgirl.  Chaps protected pants and legs from thorny scrub, onrey steers, and biting horses.  They kept a cowboy dry in the rain and worked as a an anchor to hold him in the saddle of a bucking horse.  Chaps come in a few varieties, and I’ve used different styles in my books.  In MUSTANG WILD, Skylar wears armitas chaps, which are fringed on the side, ankle length and held in place by the buckle above the posterior and three straps that wrap around the backs of her legs.  In MAVERICK WILD Chance wears batwing chaps, they go clear to his boots, and flair wide down the leg and at the bottom, flapping out when he walks across the scene.  In the third WILD book, Garret is ranging during a Wyoming winter, and he wears woolie chaps, made of fluffy buffalo hide–an extra layer of warmth.  These fury chaps were also made from shaggy sheep wool.

Cowboy Boots - unlike the verse of a certain song, a cowboy’s boots were NOT made for walking.  It’s been said that a cowboy would try to do just about anything from a saddle, and for a good reason, his boots are made for riding.  The pointed toes and wedged heels didn’t make for comfortable long-distance treks afoot, but they worked great for slipping into stirrups, and the tall shafts protected them from snake bites, thorns and horns. 

Spurs - On a large ranch, cutting horses (used to herd and sort/cut cattle) were rarely groomed which resulted in thick, matted horsehide.  Spurs were not meant to hurt the horses, but to act as a prod through densely matted horsehair.  In a lot of the old west movies, spurs jingle…but that wasn’t a necessity–jinglebobs were added decorations, as were silver conches on a the spur straps. The styles of spurs are endless.

Saddle - as much a part of a cowboy’s attire as his chaps.  While a cowboy rarely owned the horse he rode, he did own his saddle. Spending up to fifteen hours a day on his horse, a good saddle was essential to his lifestyle, and could last up to thirty years of wear and tear.

Last but not least, his gun belt.  Most cowboys were packing, wearing a low riding holster which hung loosly at the hip.  Riding through rough country posed many dangers…coyotes, cougars, bears, and cattle rustlers.

Put that all together, and you’ve got a rugged and ready cattle wrangler.

So…what are the first images that come to mind when YOU think of a cowboy???

My first crush was on Little Joe Cartwright.  I went to bed at night dreaming scenes of living on the Ponderosa with that dreamy studmuffin, and I resented every actress who played a romantic interest opposite Michael Landon.  I guess I age myself drastically (as if my children hadn’t already done that) when I admit to watching The Lone Ranger in black and white on our Zenith portable every Saturday afternoon, and to admiring the length of fringe that dangled from Tonto’s deerskin tunic.  I owned one much like it in the 60s. 

And yes, even then, Clint Eastwood charismatically held a young audience in awe with his role as Rowdy Yates on the series Rawhide.  Yee haw!   Head ‘em up, move ‘em out! Wagonmaster, Ward Bond wasn’t exactly a typical leading man, but Wagon Train held America’s attention weekly.  It must have been Robert Fuller. 

The Big Valley — I have a son named Jared by the way — Bat Masterson, The Texas Rangers, Maverick, Sugarfoot, The Rebel, The Grey Ghost, Have Gun Will Travel, Paladin, The Virginian, and let us not forget John Wayne and all the western movies of our early years, shaped our young minds.  I mean, who could forget Fess Parker in a pair of buckskins?  

The American West is a much-romanticized part of our history, our heritage.  We all know that life in Dodge City was dirty, that hundreds of men, women and children died along the trails on their way west, that bathroom facilities were nonexistent and hygiene at a disgusting low, but we’ve chosen to remember and glorify the courage and the pioneer spirit of those men and women who forged our nation and ‘civilized’ the West. I dare say none of us read romance for a reality check.  The condition of our society and the situations that surround us in everyday life may be why escaping into the pages of a book is so appealing.   

In a romance we know no matter what befalls the characters, good triumphs over evil, and happily-ever-after is in the wings.  

Our western hero exemplifies strength, loyalty, capability and security. The rancher/farmer’s sweat and blood are imbedded in his land-as deeply as the riverbeds and the roots of the ancient trees.  The land may have been his father’s before him, or he could have broken his back to earn it.  In any case he will die to keep it.  Solidarity.  And any man who would pour this much passion into his land, will love his woman even more ardently.

The western hero can hold his own when it comes to raising the children he’s fathered, too.  He loves animals and children and protects and nurtures them.  He will fight renegades and weather and anything in his way to lay claim to his child. The cowboy/rancher can be a blend of the alpha-beta male, a loner and a man not in need of the things a woman can ‘do’ for him.  He can make it on his own because he can cook over a campfire and fix anything that breaks, but he appreciates a woman’s differences and skills, and eventually accepts the nurturing she needs to give.  He needs the love and gentleness, and the ‘taming’ she represents.  

To nearly all women I’ve spoken with on the subject of westerns and cowboys, physical appearance plays a major part in the attraction.  The reality was that dungarees or Levis were not exactly slim cut or sexy.  Dungarees were stiff and probably dirty, and few real cowboys fit the image of the Marlboro man, but our fantasy cowboy has a lean backside in a pair of tight-fitting jeans, long legs, and that ever-present Stetson pulled low over his eyes.  Ever notice how a pair of chaps invariably draws the eyes to the uncovered sections of denim?

Our man wears his Colt strapped to his thigh, the holster rides his lean hips, and his spurs jangle.  This dangerous guy exudes sex appeal.   

Our western hero is a hard body due to demanding work on the range, riding and roping, chasing outlaws, stopping the runaway stage, and sleeping on the ground.  He’s untamed, a little wild, and a lot sexy.  He doesn’t need a gym membership or a Stairmaster. These men work from sun up to sun down, except when they’re sweeping the heroine off her feet, and are not prone to laze away afternoons in front of the television.  For me, Kevin Costner was much more appealing in his duster in Wyatt Earp than on the golf course in Tip Cup.  And Sam Elliott without his hat and holster is just a trifle disappointing.  

The western heroine is his equal.  She is not a helpless simpering female, but a woman with a goal of her own.  The simpler times allow us the imagery of less physical perfection and less emphasis on glamour.  Who wouldn’t rather be the height of appeal without having to wax, pluck, mousse and workout?  The reality of period clothing and lack of modern convenience is something few of us would actually care to experience, but our heroines don’t miss air conditioning or showers or microwaves.  Like her male counterpart, the western heroine beats the odds and overcomes adversities by sheer determination.  These are the strong, capable, courageous women we’d all like to be.  

The western villain can be the land, the weather, or the nastiest, smelliest dirtball who ever got his just reward.  Here’s where the line between right and wrong has changed.   Our television screens weren’t the only things that were black and white in the early days.  The concept of good and evil didn’t bear the current shades of gray.  

In the old westerns, the lines between right and wrong were clearly delineated.  If you stole a horse, you hung.  The villain accepted his punishment because he knew he’d done wrong.  The bad guys always got it in the end.  Justice was swift.  The good guy came out on top.   And just like identifying the hero by his white hat, you could tell the bad guy by his disreputable looks and black clothing.  Wouldn’t that be nice today?  There was a code of ethics among villains, too. Recent westerns have portrayed situations more realistically.  Native Americans weren’t the bad guys.  Heroes grew more three dimensional, too. 

But all things evolve.  I mean I didn’t stay in love with Little Joe.  I transferred the crush to Adam, probably because I was growing older.  Now I haven’t watched those Bonanza reruns in many years.  I think I’m afraid Lorne Greene will start looking good.

A western-writer friend of mine, Sherry James, sent this to me, and she was tickled to see her favorite hunk made the list–Cowboys. 

Me?  I wasn’t surprised.  I’ve always thought cowboys were sexy, and it has nothing to do with expensive hair cuts or designer labels or a fancy education.  Rather, just the opposite–sweat-sticking clothes, sun-browned skin and muscles earned from hard work done outside, and not in a gym.

This survey by Careerbuilder makes an interesting note:  Whether or not we admit it, what people do for a living affects their sex appeal.

Here are the 10 sexiest jobs, according to the survey.

1. Entertainer/Model
Entertainers and models make a living by looking good, so you can bet they’re easy on the eyes. Their dedication to their dream in such a competitive industry is also attractive. And just take a look at the popularity of TV shows like “America’s Next Top Model” and “Make Me a Supermodel.”

2. Cocktail Waitress
Although it might not seem like an obvious top pick, consider the fact that the waitress is probably dressed in a short skirt and bringing you drinks, which never hurt anybody’s sex appeal.

3. Athlete
Professional athletes are likely in good — no, great — shape. Not to mention they’ve probably been practicing their sport since childhood, so you know they’re disciplined and goal-oriented.

4. Firefighter
Firefighters are brave and selfless. Who wouldn’t find that attractive?

 5. Cowboy
Few archetypes are as ingrained in our culture as the cowboy. He’s masculine, chivalrous and everything else we admired in Western movies.

6. Nurse
Nurses keep you comfortable, make sure you’re healthy and bring you morphine when you’re hurting. That they devote their lives to caring for others and understand all that medical jargon only makes them sexier.

7. Artist
The average artist is doing what makes him happy, not what will bring him fame or money — and that’s pretty sexy. How many occupations can you say that about?

8. Military Professional
Well, they’ve got the ultimate uniform, if you’re into that sort of thing. The military also instills a sense of discipline, so you can count on them to be responsible and dependable.

9. Construction Worker
Didn’t you see that soft drink commercial where all the women stare out their window to watch the construction worker take off his shirt?

10. TV Anchor/Personality
Maybe it’s the way they talk with authority, seem to know everything and make you feel like you’re best friends. (Or maybe it’s the fact that you don’t know if they’re really wearing pants under that desk.)

 So?  Is the survey right?  Do we think of someone being sexy because of their choice of employment?

Do you  have another job to add to the list? 

Or maybe it’s our *perception* of the job that makes the person attractive to us.  What do you think?

I am delighted and honored to be asked to guest blog for Petticoats and Pistols.  Today, I want to talk about a subject that’s seldom given much attention: funny Westerns.

In my long career, I’ve met many interesting people and known a lot of writers such as Louis L’Amour (he used to live in Choctaw, Oklahoma,) and Dee Brown, author of Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee.  My Chickasaw Indian brother-in-law is the former head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington D.C. so I had plenty of research material to write all those Indian romances I did in the first part of my career.

Why did I change subjects? This came about because my editor commented on funny scenes in one of my serious romances and asked if I could write a series of what she called ‘Western romps.’

I decided to give it a try and produced: To Tame A Texan, To Tempt a Texan, To Tease A Texan, To Love A Texan, and now my latest Zebra March release: To Wed A Texan.

The plot of To Wed A Texan: Cash McCally, Texan gambler, is trying to set up a championship boxing match in Dallas.  He thinks it will be a profitable cinch.  Enter Bluebonnet O’Neal Schwartz Purdy, widowed President of the Lone Star Ladies for Decency and Decorum.  This prim librarian is determined to stop this savage and uncivilized fight and enlists her ladies, the governor and the churches.

Based on a little known episode of 1895 Texas history, the struggle became a hilarious spectacle.  The militia and the Texas Rangers are called out, four governors and the presidents of two countries got involved as well as Bat Masterson, Judge Roy Bean and even an African lion and a goat.

In my version, Cash decides the only way he can get the lady out of his way so he can proceed with his boxing match is to woo and seduce her.  Can  stubborn Bonnie resist his virile charm and continue her crusade?

Which brings me to humorous Westerns; I love them but there just aren’t many out there, either in novels or movies.  I remember: Hallelujah Trail, by my old friend, Bill Gulick, The Rounders, Cheyenne Social Club, City Slickers and two starring Oklahoma native, James Garner: Support Your Local Gunfighter and Support Your Local Sheriff.

So I challenge you readers; can you think of any other funny traditional Western novels, romance novels or movies for those of us who love them?  I know there have to be some I missed, so put on your thinking caps.

By the way, I want to give away two autographed copies of To Wed A Texan.  Cheryl will draw the names for me.

If you’re interested in learning more about me or want an autographed book mark, my website is: romanceauthorspage.com/georginagentry or try snail mail at: P.O.Box 162, Edmond, OK 73083

Gracias to you readers and the ladies of Petticoats & Pistols,
Georgina Gentry

P.S. Coming in 2009: To Seduce A Texan

Anyone out there going to RT?

If you’re not familiar with it, I’m talking about Romantic Times and the Booklovers Convention they have every year.  This year’s will be held April 16-20 in Pittsburgh.  Here’s a link: Romantic Times. 

RT is fun!  They love romance.   Their sole focus is to cater to readers, writers and booksellers, and they work hard to promote women’s fiction in all its forms.  Good food, elaborate theme parties and lots of networking are planned.  And oh, I can’t forgot those cover models who mingle among all the females, have their pictures taken again and again, and give the convention the sizzle it’s long been known for.

This is Rafael, an Italian hearthrob  and the perfect gentleman.  (RT in Kansas City)  Ah, definitely one of the highlights of my convention, let me tell you. 

A major aspect of the convention is the workshops, all 125 of them.  They’re geared to readers and writers, published and unpublished, on a wide variety of subjects about the biz.

I’m going to do a session with my pals, Kate Bridges and Jenna Kernan.  The workshop is entitled, “The New Old West, Grittier and Sexier.”

I would love your input.

It’s a no-brainer that I love the Old West.  It’s been part of my thinking for so long, that I tend to take for granted what appeals most to me, and cowboys have to be near the top of the list.

Our lovely guest, Mildred Colvin, blogged this past weekend about the cowboy’s charisma.  Her eloquence made me sigh.  Her descriptions and insight were right on. 

And yet, as Kate, Jenna and I were putting our proposal together, we talked about how westerns are more than hunky cowboys.  Fur trappers, scouts, outlaws, loggers–and of course the adventurous women–all made the Old West the romantic era that we know today. 

Our workshop will be geared to readers just like our Petticoats & Pistols friends, so do me a big favor and pretend you’re at RT with me, will you?  Imagine yourself poised at the door, ready to walk in.  You see Kate, Jenna and me at the front of the room.

What are you expecting?

What would you like us to tell you about today’s western romance?  (And I’d like to add an addendum here–our workshop is more about today’s western romance than the Old West itself.)

What can we present that you perhaps don’t already know?

 If you’re a writer, what can we tell you about the publishing business?  About writing a western?

What kind of information would you like on hand-outs?

Most important, are you going to RT?  Let me know!  I hope you’ll come to our session, so we can meet you!  We’ll have fun cowboy promos and an um, uplifting cowboy video presentation, too.

For each of you who takes a moment to share ideas and help me plan my workshop, your name will be entered into a drawing for a Young Guns DVD, featuring Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland and more.

(And don’t forget to enter our Spring Round-Up contest, too!  Just click on the sidebar’s Contest link.)

Thank you for your comments!

Thank you for this opportunity to guest blog on Petticoats and Pistols! Although I don’t get to comment as often as I’d like (I’m usually on late night), I love this site and am learning so much here.

By way of introduction, I’m Mildred Colvin and sometimes write under the pen name M. J. Conner. All eight of my books are Christian romances published by Heartsong Presents at Barbour Publishing. I enjoy writing for Barbour because the stories are fun, yet the conflict the hero and heroine must work through are often the same that many readers face in their spiritual lives. My aim and my prayer is to write in such a way that those who read my books will find laughter and tears within the pages but mostly the gentle touch of God’s love.

In my newest release, Joanna’s Adventure, Clay Shepherd rides back into Cedar Bend, Kansas, hires on at the Circle C Ranch and literally sweeps Joanna off her feet. He doesn’t realize that he didn’t have to carry her across a mud puddle to get her attention. No siree. Joanna has been dreaming about Clay ever since he left town six years ago when they were in their teens. Joanna fell for Clay the first day he slid into the back seat of the old schoolhouse, so his return stirs more than memories. Of course that first kiss under the mistletoe back then didn’t hurt one bit. In fact she still has the pressed sprig of mistletoe in a keepsake box so she will never forget her one and only kiss or the handsome, exciting boy who gave it to her. She sees the grown up Clay as more than exciting. He is romantic and unpredictable with a touch of mystery that tells her just how enticingly dangerous he can be. Joanna doesn’t know what it is, but Clay has something that draws her, and that something is cowboy charisma.

Like Joanna, I’m not immune to the appeal of a cowboy, so when I think of Clay, the term cowboy charisma pops into my mind. What is cowboy charisma? The dictionary defines charisma as “a special magnetic charm or appeal.” So what’s appealing about a guy who tends horses and cows and scoops manure? Could it be those snug-fitting blue jeans with more swagger than stride crossing the barnyard or street? How about the wide-brimmed cowboy hat pulled low, lending an air of mystery when it hides the expression in those dark shadowed eyes? Or maybe the tug of a grin when he notices a pretty gal standing alone at a barn raising and says, “Howdy, ma’am. Care to dance?” What about the thrill at a rodeo of horse and rider who seem in tune as they dance the age-old competition of dominance and submission? After a mere eight seconds that lasts forever the cowboy leaps to the ground with both arms raised in victory with a cocky grin on his face. Who hasn’t experienced a little heart flutter then?

The list could go on and on with physical attributes we find appealing in a cowboy, but like everyone else, the cowboy is more than a shell. He is an inner man with feelings, emotions, and a certain way of thinking. Each man is an individual, but when I thought about the cowboy heroes I’ve brought to life in my stories, I realized they have a lot in common. Maybe that’s because they all adhere to a set of unwritten rules commonly known as The Code of the West. This code is similar to The Golden Rule - do unto others, as you would have others do unto you.

Seems the old time cowboy valued his freedom and believed in minding his own business. He asked no questions of strangers because he wanted to give no answers about his private life. When a cowboy welcomed the stranger at his campfire or table, he expected to be welcomed in turn. His job wasn’t easy to say the least so he learned to cowboyup or in other words, get back on the horse that bucked him off, whether it was an actual horse or life itself. Although the code often became twisted to justify the individual’s need or desire for vengeance and justice, the true cowboys believed in honesty, loyalty, generosity, and fairness. They admired courage, diligence, plain speaking, and commonsense. They respected and protected their womenfolk. In fact one of their rules was that they would never shoot a woman no matter what. Now I like that rule!

Romanticized or not, I am drawn by cowboy charisma. I do enjoy writing a story that has a hero who respects the heroine as well as all women and, imperfect as he is, follows a code that doesn’t always put him first. What do you like to see in a hero? When you read a book or when you create a hero for your own work, what is more important to you? The immediate attraction of the physical or the moral code that drives the man? Maybe both are required. Maybe not. What do you think? Can a hero be unattractive on the outside, but so appealing in his moral code and the way he treats the heroine that we still see a heart-stopping, mighty-good-to-look-at man?

Two names will be drawn from those who comment to each receive an autographed copy of my newest book, JOANNA’S ADVENTURE.

I love cowboys!  It’s a small wonder that I write western historicals.  Even when I’m not knee-deep in the 1800’s with Texas gunslingers or amnesiac gamblers or strong silent sheriffs,  but writing a present day story, cowboys of some nature always sneak in without me really knowing it! 

In Bunking Down with the Boss, the story that won the National Reader’s Choice Award, my hero and CEO of the Triple B Construction company had roots that sprung from ranching.  Totally unbeknownst to me when I started writing this story,  wealthy, powerful Sam Beaumont had knowledge of helicopter cattle herding having grown up on his uncle’s small ranch.  Go figure??   So of course when Caroline Portman needed help rebuilding  her stables, practically from the ground up, Sam rode in to the rescue, guns blazing so to speak, ready to help the damsel in distress.   Okay,  so I got a great cowboy cover on this one, but when the Desire guidelines changed, I found myself in a world of strictly rich and privileged heroes who were comfortable wearing Armani and driving in limousines.

Next came Reese the wealthy oilman from Montana.   I couldn’t pass up the chance to give him roots in the west.  So how did Reese support himself while trying to build his oil empire and make his fortune?   By riding Rodeo, that’s how!  Reese met my socialite heroine at a Meet-and-Greet after winning first place in the rodeo.  Seems our heroine couldn’t resist a man wearing boots and walking with a killer swagger.   After that came Between the CEO’S Sheets . The story was set in Los Angeles with Wade, Sam Beaumont’s brother, out to get revenge on a woman who done him wrong.  Wade fell right into the LA lifestyle, living in Malibu, driving sportscars and mastering the fine art of sailing.  So how did I sneak the cowboy in?   I put him on a horse up in the mountains in Catalina Island.   Had to do it.  Wade had those Texas roots too, you see.  And our heroine Gina was not immune to the corporate man showing her how it’s done atop a horse, (riding, I mean - where did your mind go?)   Wade even saves the day, when Gina’s horse spooks!

Next comes my new January release, The Corporate Raider’s Revenge.  Set in both  Hawaii and Los Angeles, Evan Tyler runs a sleek contemporary hotel chain called Tempest.   He’s suave, cool and sophisticated, pursuing Laney with incredible persistance.  When he exits his sportscar and walks up her driveway, Laney takes note of his attire.  “Boots?” she asks. To this, Evan replies, “Born in Texas.”   E’nuf said, and that statement lays the groundwork for my upcoming series, Suite Secrets, with Evan’s cowboy brother, Trent at the helm of an elite, western-themed Arizona hotel called Tempest West.   

Five Star Cowboy is the first book in the Suite Secrets series coming in August.  Don’t you just love that title, the mix between hotels and cowboys?  Not my title- my editor came up with it so I can brag a little bit.  There’ll be more about rugged, bone-melting Trent Tyler and the whole Tyler gang later in the year.  I didn’t have to “sneak” with this story, Trent is all male, virile cowboy material. What a joy to write!

Often times, I ask myself what is it about cowboys that I love so much?  In olden days they led a difficult, gruesome life filled with hard work and little reward.  Present day cowboys are few and far between, yet we write them. We fantasize about them.  We adore them and think they’re sexy and attractive and appealing.  No doubt.  One of my favorite authors is Linda Lael Miller and she’s made a name for herself writing the western man both past and present. 

There’s a certain mystery and allure about a cowboy.  Isn’t there?  Or are we shallow enough to simply love a rugged man of the earth, strong in muscle with an  awe-inspiring strut and a southern drawl that makes your mouth water?   Can that be?    Do you simply love a cowboy, no matter what? Does the fact that he’s obscenely wealthy make him more appealing?  I honestly don’t know why this New York born, California transplant has such great love of western men, but I do.  The more the merrier.  What about you? 

I invite you to read the prequel to my Suite Secrets Trilogy with THE CORPORATE RAIDERS REVENGE - available now !!

It’s time for a random drawing!  Win my debut contemporary cowboy romance, a 2003  RT Top Pick -The Heart of a Cowboy.  Check back later in the day for the winner.   Good luck!

Howdy all!  It’s great to be back in Wildflower Junction.  I’ve missed my P&P Fridays!   

I really enjoyed Cheryl’s post yesterday and it got me to reevaluating my topic for today.  One of the main reasons I love Romance is that guarantee that no matter the struggles our hero and heroine’s go through, good will always prevail over evil…and the cowboy will always get his gal–once she’s put him through his proper paces, of course.  But what about our villains?  Can they also find hope and redemption through the course of our hero and heroine’s journey?  Do we want them to find new peace and understanding so that they can have a happy ending as well…or are they so bad they simply…have got to go?  A year or so ago I began writing and exploring a new kind of villain…bad guys who earn their villain moniker, but have chinks on their hardened exterior, revealing a somewhat chivalrous intention behind their dastardly deeds, and a vulnerability in their character which gives them an eery appeal, and room to grow. 

A few nights ago I rewatched one of my favorite movies, 3:10 to Yuma.  While this film lacks a central romance, it has villain characterization in spades! Aside from absolutely stunning dialogue (not a single word wasted), I’m enthralled by the villains of this movie—and there is a whole cast of them!  A bounty hunter, the deputy henchman of the railroad, and a band of murdering thieves (among others).  These villains have varying degrees of villainy, and at the center of them all is the bible-quoting bad-guy ringleader, Wade—a fast gun with a quick mind and a cold heart. And yet, from the beginning we’re given glimpses of decency in this villain, his tendency to protect the innocent.  He seems to admire those who try to live an honest life. Even though at times his claims otherwise, he defends the true good guys at the risk of his own life. 

Is Wade bad? Oh yeah! He’s a hardened killer, and professes to be rotten as hell. And yet, he also reveals a method to his badness. While the bounty hunter and the railroad henchman wear the facade of good guys, it’s the villain Wade who sees them from what they are—the kind of men who don’t mind harming the innocent for personal gain. For the truly bad, this villain has no mercy. The second in command of Wade’s band of thieves is the brand of villain I started out with in my first few westerns. Charlie enjoys the power of evoking fear and doesn’t show any discretion between shooting an opponent or an innocent.  His loyalties don’t go beyond idolizing his leader and seeking his own enjoyment—which turn out to be his downfall.  In the end, it’s the main villain who chooses good over evil, and yet…he’s still bad.

One of my favorite Wade quotes, just before he tosses a man off a cliff who’d insulted his mother, is, “Even bad men love their mamas.”  As this movie progresses, you begin to see just how large a role his mama played in developing this villain’s character.  At eight years old, he was a good boy who did as his mother told him. He sat at a train station and read the bible from cover to cover, just as his mother instructed, finishing it in three days.  Even at eight, he was a wiz, and the bible quotes suddenly become very poignant…and sad.  Every time this movie ends I’m left wondering if his mama had green eyes. Anyone else have that thought after watching this movie?  If you haven’t seen it yet—it’s a MUST for any western fan!

I’ve developed a real appreciation for villains who can tug at my heartstrings.  In my latest western MAVERICK WILD (Out this month!), I had a lot of fun with a cast of villains. While some simply have their day of reckoning, there are others who emerge with a new outlook on life and the distruction they cause for Chance and Cora Mae–though one or two may be forced into finding true remorse for their actions of ill intent 

How about you…do you love those villains you don’t know wether to curse or root for? 

The Outsider

December 31

10:30 AM ET

10:00 PM ET

HALLMARK CHANNEL

She’s an unyielding woman born to the righteous laws of God and tradition. He’s an uncompromising gunfighter born to raise hell. In the ever-shifting panorama of the Wild West, human emotions can shift as well, but seldom without a price.