CATHY MCDAVID made it her goal to read every Walter Farley book ever written when she was in the third grade. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things Western and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With more than 1 million books sold, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author is a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. An “almost” Arizona native and mom to "fairly" grownup twins, she lives with her own real-life sweetheart and spends her days penning stories about good-looking cowboys riding the range, busting a bronc, and sweeping gals off their feet. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.
1) How did you come up with the relationship between Aaron Travers and Melody Hartman?
There seems to be a trend these days for young couples to “hang out together” rather than date --- at least, that’s what I hear and what my daughter tells me. I gave Aaron and Mel difficult romantic pasts, which made the idea of a no-strings-attached relationship appealing to them, then complicated things with an unexpected pregnancy because, well, life is complicated.
2) What is your favorite part about writing Western Romance books?
I truly am a lover of all things western. I owned horses most of my life, grew up watching Bonanza and Big Valley reruns, and lived the western lifestyle for many, many years. For me, there is no sexier, more appealing romance book hero than a rugged, good looking cowboy.
3) Do you have any traditions you enjoy during early Spring?
You mean besides the mandatory spring cleaning and yard work? Absolutely! I always attend the Glendale Chocolate Affair in February and Tucson Festival of Books in March where local romance writers host two to three days of mega book signings. I love connecting with readers, both new and those that drop by every year for my latest release. Plus, I’m surrounded by books and authors.
4) When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Like a lot of authors, I started writing at a young age. For me, it was in high school (I actually won a contest for a children’s book I wrote and illustrated). I didn’t seriously, however, until twenty years later. And it wasn’t until I finished that first book that I realized I’d found my passion. Two years ago, I quite the corporate world altogether to write full-time. It’s been a dream come true.
5) How long does it take you to write a book?
Two weeks of intense planning and three months to write the book from start to finish. Of course, I always wind up trashing some of those carefully constructed plans in favor of better ideas that strike me along the way.
Western Romance; March 7, 2017
$5.25 U.S.; 224 Pages
ISBN-978-0-373-757497
ISBN-978-0-373-757497
A secret, no-strings relationship with Aaron Travers has suited Melody Hartman just fine for the past eight months. The lives of the Mustang Valley veterinarian and the deputy sheriff have always been complicated—and are about to become more so, because Mel is pregnant!
Raising his toddler daughter and protecting his Arizona town are Aaron's priorities. But this unexpected pregnancy is a life changer. The widowed single dad is ready to do the right thing and marry Mel. Can he say the three words she is waiting to hear? Will she think he wants to marry her only because of the baby? Or will she acknowledge that their feelings for each other run deeper than either of them realized?
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Great interview with the author! I've been hearing a lot about the Tucson Festival of Books lately, sounds like a wonderful event! Cute cover and who doesn't like a good cowboy story! Thanks for the chance to win!
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