I am happy to announce the first book of my sweet romance trilogy The Cowgirls of Larkspur Valley has been released. Some books are fun to write and this was one of them. Home With the Rodeo Dad includes a lot of my favorite tropes–a protective single dad who happens to be a rodeo rider; a tight community; a family of rambunctious siblings (the heroine’s family); horses; and a baby.
Here’s a the opening scene:
“Easy, Button. We’re almost there.”
Troy Mackay glanced in the rearview mirror of his Ford F-250 as his six-month-old daughter’s warning cry became a full-fledged howl. His shoulders tightened in response, but he didn’t panic like he would have only a few months ago.
Livia hit a particularly high note just as the headlights shone over a mailbox with a crooked flag, at which point he was supposed to turn left, according to the directions his new landlord had given him.
“Just another mile, kiddo.”
Livia hiccupped, sucked in a breath and then howled again. Troy winced as he fought with himself to keep from stopping the truck right there.
An eternity later, which showed as four minutes on the dashboard clock, he rolled to a stop in front of a dark house and turned off the ignition. Livia went quiet, as if sensing that a big change was taking place.
It was.
Troy Mackay, former career rodeo rider was now Troy Mackay, single dad and full-time farrier. Or he would be full time as soon as he hung out his shingle and got Livia enrolled in the local daycare center.
Troy opened the rear door of the truck and unlatched the baby carrier. He was debating about whether to leave Livia strapped in or take her out and hold her when the porch light came on behind him.
He whirled toward the light, wondering if a place this old had motion sensors, then he saw movement in the reflected light on the windows. There was someone in the house. Quickly, he relatched the baby carrier, closed the door and stood protectively in front of the truck. This house was supposed to be empty, so what was he facing?
A squatter taking refuge, maybe?
Livia let out a howl that shattered the stillness of the night.
Get in the truck and drive. Come back in the morning.
The need to protect his daughter was paramount, and Troy was about to do just that, even though he had no place to go. Then the front door opened, and a young woman stepped out, hugging her long sweater around her body.
“Hi,” he called in the friendliest voice he could manage. “Maybe I’m at the wrong place. I’m looking for Littlegate Farm.”
“Why?” The woman pulled her sweater more tightly around her, and her chin lifted as she spoke.
Troy shifted his weight, perplexed by the woman’s tone. “Because I rented it.”
Her back stiffened. “I don’t think so.”
He frowned. “I have a contract.”
“No.”
“You want to see it?” he asked.
“No need. It’s not valid.”
Troy cocked his head stubbornly. “How so?”
“I own Littlegate Farm, and I promise you that I haven’t rented it to anyone.”
Me again. I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. I’ll be giving away three digital copies of this sweet romance. If you’d like to enter, simply leave a comment telling me your favorite kind of romance trope, such as working together to overcome the odds, enemies to lovers, single dad, grumpy hero-feisty heroine, mistaken identity, etc. I’m looking forward to hearing what you like.
Best,
Jeannie
Jeannie Watt raises cattle in Montana and loves all things western. When she's not writing, Jeannie enjoys sewing, making mosaic mirrors, riding her horses and buying hay. Lots and lots of hay.
Happy Book Release!
My two favorite tropes are enemies to lovers and second chance.
denise
Thank you, Denise!
I like second chances and just friends to lovers.
Thank you, Janice.
I’m a fan of friends to more, second chances, amnesia, mistaken identity, single dads. OK, I like all of them!!!
That gives you many options when reading! 🙂 Thank you, Rhonda.
I like mistaken identify and single parent; sounds like a good book.
Thank you, Kari Jean!
I love second chances
Thank you, Teresa!
I enjoy books with babies in them so I am going with single dad stories.
Thank you!
I also enjoy single dad stories!!
Thank you, Kathleen!
Oh I am so a fan of single dads, especially when babies are involved or toddlers.
Thank you, Kathleen!
depends how it’s written
Excellent point!
I like a strong woman and and a man who is the boss of every situation. Much like my own life, I do believe. This story sounds just so fascinating I cannot wait to read it.
Thank you, Judy!
I like any and all, but I really lean toward marriage of convenience!!
Always a good one, Trudy! Thank you.
Marriage of convenience friends to more snowed in
I also love the snowed in trope. Thank you jcp.
Ooooh, I love this excerpt!! A guaranteed page turner for me. Congrats, Jeannie!
Thank you, Pam!
Good morning, my favorite trope is Secret Baby, your book sounds like a great read, and your cover looks so, so sweet! Have a great day and thank you for sharing your great sounding excerpt !
Thank you, Alicia!
I love Single Dad, Secret Baby, Mistaken Identity, Marriage of Convenience and so much more. 🙂
Me, too. Thank you, Colleen.
I love second chance romance and also single dad
I like the grumpy hero (cowboy) with a soft heart, and feisty heroine who is able to find his heart.
Enemies to lovers and second chance. But, I like them all.
Me, too!
Happy book birthday. I enjoy friends to more even though I enjoy them all. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Thank you, Debbie.
This sounds like a sweet story. Who can resist a single dad trying his best with a baby or young child.
This story line is one of my favorites. Nothing draws two people together more than the concernover and care of a young child. Hope your winter is going well.
Thank you, Patricia.