Blog Tour: A COWBOY'S SWEETHEART by Crista McHugh An Interview & Giveaway

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for A COWBOY'S SWEETHEART by Crista McHugh ! 

I have an interview with Crista to share with you today! And make sure to enter the giveaway below!

Haven't heard of A COWBOY'S SWEETHEART? Check it out!

Title: A COWBOY'S SWEETHEART (Rodeo Academy #1)

Author: Crista McHugh

Pub. Date: June 25, 2018

Publisher: Crista McHugh

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 164

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD 

Pampered New York Socialite and dressage rider, Kensington Pope, has been exiled by her jet-setting parents to her aunt’s Rodeo Academy in Wyoming. She wants nothing to do with the rough and tumble students there, especially one particularly handsome cowboy, Javier. But she won’t be there for long. She has a plan in place to break out after her next international competition.

Javier Cruz takes one look at the spoiled city girl and instantly dismisses her. The school of tough knocks has already educated him on what the important things in life are, and he has bigger things on his plate. He’s counting down the days until his eighteenth birthday when he can pull his younger siblings from the foster care program and reunite his family. But as he gets to know Kensi, he sees a kindred spirit and discovers there’s more to her than meets the eye. 

Kensi begins to question her desire to flee the ranch as her relationship to Javier deepens and she learns the importance of family. But when he discovers her escape plan, will he be able to trust her again? And when tragedy comes to the ranch, will Kensi be able to step up and take her place in the family?

Now on to the interview!

Hey Crista! First I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books I’m so happy you could stop by for a chat! A COWBOY'S SWEETHEART sounds absolutely fantastic and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

For the readers: can you give us a little info about A COWBOY'S SWEETHEART and the characters?

A Cowboy’s Sweetheart is a classic fish out of water/opposites attract romance. Spoiled city girl, Kensington Pope, gets sent to her aunt’s rodeo academy in Wyoming for the summer and falls in love with a handsome young cowboy with a dark past, Javier. Despite their differences, they find they have more in common than they first realize, and their friendship blossoms into something more.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on YA Sci-Fi that’s about a group of female fighter pilots.

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

I went to school with girls like Kensi, so it was easy for me to draw on their self-absorbed mask hiding neglectful parents. But mostly, I try to mix different people up when I create a character.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

I loved writing Javier because he’s so angsty. Sierra was a little harder to write because she’s so happy and bubbly.

What is your favorite passage/scene in A COWBOY'S SWEETHEART?

I really enjoyed the first kiss scene because it shows that Kensi cares about someone other than herself and that Javier is finally letting down his walls to let someone into his life.

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

I spent way too much time watching dressage videos on this book, but they were mesmerizing, and it helped me understand why Kensi would love it so much.

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

That’s a tough question because I’ll have to admit that I fall in love with my heroes has I write them. But outside my books, I’d have to say Ash from the Iron Fey series.

What inspired you to write this series?

I knew several people who went to college on rodeo scholarships, and I wanted to write a series viewing the rodeo world through their eager young eyes rather than the busted up bronco rider or the weary bull rider that we see in adult western romances.

Lightening Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

I just finished Bruja Born by Zoraida Cordova, and I LOVED it! Right now, I’m reading Rejected Princesses by Jason Porath.

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

Gryffindor (or to be more precise, A Gryffin-Claw). At Ilvermorny -  Horned Serpent.

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter

Favorite Superhero?

Carol Danvers (aka – Capt. Marvel)

Favorite TV show?

I’m really enjoying Orville at the moment.

Sweet or Salty?

Salty

Any Phobias?

Stingrays

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

“Say Amen” by Panic! At the Disco

Summer Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Antman and the Wasp

Thanks so much Crista for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read A COWBOY'S SWEETHEART! 

About Crista:

Crista McHugh is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING author of fantasy and romance with heroines who are smart, sexy, and anything but ordinary. She also writes fantasy with a little less kissing and bit more action (outside the bedroom) as C. A. McHugh.

Growing up in small town Alabama, Crista relied on story-telling as a natural way for her to pass the time and keep her two younger sisters entertained.

She currently lives in the Tesla-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician on the occassional weekend.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

Find Crista online at:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a Kindle Fire 7, US Only.

1 winner will win a $20 Amazon GC, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/25/2018- Bubbly Books- Review

6/25/2018- Sophie Reads YA- Review

6/26/2018- Never Too Many To Read- Guest Post

6/26/2018- Cindy's Love of Books- Review

6/27/2018- Here's to Happy Endings- Excerpt

6/27/2018- StoreyBook Reviews- Spotlight

6/28/2018- A Gingerly Review- Excerpt

6/28/2018- BookHounds YA- Interview

6/29/2018- Demi Reads- Review

6/29/2018- The Cozy Reading Corner- Excerpt

Week Two:

7/2/2018- Books & Other Pursuits- Review

7/2/2018- The Phantom Paragrapher- Review

7/3/2018- Books a Plenty Book Reviews- Spotlight

7/3/2018- Parajunkee- Excerpt

7/4/2018- books are love- Review

7/4/2018- underneath the covers- Excerpt

7/5/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

7/6/2018- The Reading Life- Spotlight

7/6/2018- Jaime's World- Spotlight

Blog Tour- THE SWEET LIFE by Dakota Star An Playlist & Giveaway!

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for THE SWEET LIFE by Dakota Star!

I have an Dakota's Playlists to share with you today! And make sure to enter the giveaway below!

Haven't heard of THE SWEET LIFE? Check it out!

Title: THE SWEET LIFE

Author: Dakota Star

Pub. Date: March 28, 2018

Publisher: Limitless Publishing, LLC

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 176

Find it: Amazon, B&N, Goodreads

Alexis takes her job very seriously. As one of the younger account executives, proving herself in the workplace is much more important than having a love life. And now that she’s been assigned a dude ranch account, she’s more determined than ever to show her doubters that she has what it takes.

Unfortunately there’s a tall, hot-tempered, brown-eyed cowboy who manages to distract Alexis from her goal by grabbing her attention…in a non-professional kind of way.
Mitch is the cowboy of her dreams—and also a distraction her career can’t afford.

And the real doozy? He also happens to be the ranch owner’s son, and this little fact alone has the potential to ruin everything for this city girl.

Now on to the playlist!

Mitch’s Playlist

Mitch is a sweet on the inside, tough on the outside cowboy working at a dude ranch as lead wrangler, barn manager, and more. When a beautiful red-head from NYC turns his life upside down, Mitch will do anything to win her heart. Country sweet falls hard for a little city spice.

Mitch, well suited for the physical demands of a life spent outdoors, is tall, tan, and lean. But his eyes are his most noticeable feature: bright golden brown and friendly.

When hauling hay, leading rides across the open meadows, or rescuing stray cows, Mitch relies on his music to get through the day. His top five country favorites follow:

1.        Eric Church – Homeboy

Mitch had some problems as a Texas teen after his parents’ divorce. He ended up in trouble and was banished to the outskirts of Boston to live with his dad. “Homeboy” by Eric Church reminds Mitch that now he is right where he needs to be. He’s a country boy through and through and the dude ranch is his life.

2.      Chris Stapleton – Parachute

Mitch can tell there is something different about Alexis from the moment they meet, and he wants to find out more, much more, about her. Once he falls, this song represents his emotions. Mitch plans to capture Alexis’ heart and convince her their love will be epic. He’s the man who stays strong for Alexis during the best and worst of times.

3.      Brantley Gilbert-- Kick It In The Sticks

Mitch might have lived in the city for a while, but he’s a country boy and knows how to kick back and relax. He’s going to be sure to show Alexis a good time.

4.     Jason Aldean – Big Green Tractor

This song nails the different worlds Mitch and Alexis live in, but also where they meet in the middle. It doesn’t matter how different people are at the start. It’s much more important where they end up together.  

5.     Johnny Cash – Five Feet Highand Rising

The song is a classic and it’s Johnny Cash. “Five Feet High and Rising” shows how perseverance, determination, and faith pay off. As Cash said, “...good things come from adversity…” Mitch lives that. 

Alexis’ Playlist

Alexis is a little city spice. Mitch is country sweet. The rugged cowboy works at a dude ranch as lead wrangler, barn manager, and more. Can Mitch turn this over-achieving city slicker into a country girl?

When dealing with tough clients at the marketing firm in NYC where she works, riding across the open meadows, or rescuing stray cows, Alexis relies on music to get through the day. Her top four favorite songs follow:

A little city

1.        Dua Lipa – New Rules

Alexa is a fiery red head who doesn’t let a man control her, but Mitch finds a way into her heart. Can this couple conquer the city or country conundrum? 

2.      Keith Urban with Carrie Underwood – Fighter

The song itself transcends genre lines just like Alexis and Mitch’s attraction. Hopefully, they will both fight for something that seems so perfect.

A little country

3.      Sam Hunt – Body Like aBackroad

Sounds like a country boy falls for a city girl in this one too. Mitch is going to be sure to show Alexis a good time.

4.     John Pardi – Dirt on my Boots

This song nails the different worlds Mitch and Alexis live in, but also where they meet in the middle. It doesn’t matter how different people are at the start. It’s much more important where they end up.   

About Dakota/Lisa:

Lisa Acerbo is the author of numerous books including Wear White to Your Funeral. Two new releases will be available in 2018.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/23/2018- Sincerely Karen Jo- Interview

4/24/2018- To Be Read- Review

4/25/2018- BookHounds- Guest Post

4/26/2018- A Gingerly Review- Excerpt

4/27/2018- Owl Always Be Reading- Excerpt

Week Two:

4/30/2018- Spilling Words- Spotlight

5/1/2018- TMBA Corbett Tries to Write- Interview

5/2/2018- Love in a time of Feminism- Review

5/3/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

5/4/2018- Jaime's World- Excerpt

Blog Tour- REVENGE AND THE WILD by Michelle Modesto Michelle's 5 Favorite Scenes and A Giveaway!

I am so excited to be hosting a spot on blog tour for REVENGE AND THE WILD by Michelle Modesto. I freaking loved this book if you haven't read my review go HERE to check it out! I have Michelle's favorite scenes to share with you today as well as a little bit about her research since she's a local author and I love to know what research they did for our area! And make sure to enter the giveaway! 

Haven't heard of REVENGE AND THE WILD? Check it out!

Title: REVENGE AND THE WILD

Author: Michelle Modesto

Release Date: February 2, 2016

Pages: 384

Publisher: Balzer+Bray

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

The two-bit town of Rogue City is a lawless place, full of dark magic and saloon brawls, monsters and six-shooters. But it’s perfect for seventeen-year-old Westie, the notorious adopted daughter of local inventor Nigel Butler.

Westie was only a child when she lost her arm and her family to cannibals on the wagon trail. Nine years later, Westie may seem fearsome with her foul-mouthed tough exterior and the powerful mechanical arm built for her by Nigel, but the memory of her past still haunts her. She’s determined to make the killers pay for their crimes—and there’s nothing to stop her except her own reckless ways.

But Westie’s search ceases when a wealthy family comes to town looking to invest in Nigel’s latest invention, a machine that can harvest magic from gold—which Rogue City desperately needs as the magic wards that surround the city start to fail. There’s only one problem: the investors look exactly like the family who murdered Westie’s kin. With the help of Nigel’s handsome but scarred young assistant, Alistair, Westie sets out to prove their guilt. But if she’s not careful, her desire for revenge could cost her the family she has now.

This thrilling novel is a remarkable tale of danger and discovery, from debut author Michelle Modesto. 

Now on to the post!

Being a local author how much research did you have to do about Sacramento and outlying areas for THE REVENGE AND THE WILD?

Growing up in Northern California, we went on a lot of field trips to the capital. The history of the area was ground into my head from an early age. Where I live there are still old mines—most of them covered, but I always managed to find my way in. My siblings and I used to explore them and go gold panning. Before I even started researching for the book, I already had a clear vision of this wild west world. To brush up on the lay of the land I poured through pictures of the towns that are now under Shasta Lake. Though R&TW is a fantasy, I wanted to make sure it had the subtle details to make the world feel real, such as the flooding and the flora and fauna.

Favorite 5 scenes and why?

1.       The scene with Olive at the manzanita tree. There’s something really terrifying about creepy children. They are the epitome of innocence, so when children do evil things I find it interesting and shocking. It was a really fun scene to write.

2.     The sexy scenes. They are so hard for me to write. I get shy and embarrassed so they were a huge challenge, which is why they’re one of my favorites. Any time you push yourself as a writer, going places you aren’t necessarily comfortable with, I think it makes you better.

3.     The shootout with the outlaws. Blood and guts. Horror was my number one love as a reader growing up and it still makes me giddy to see in movies and read in books. In real life it’s a whole different story. The sight of real blood makes me dizzy.

4.    The twist. I love a twist.

5.     The ending. There’s a huge relief at the end of writing a novel. While it only took me a couple months to write the first draft, it took years to edit. After a while it started to feel like it would never end. It can be daunting, and frustrating, and it zaps the creativity right out of you. Once you reach the end it’s like the world lifting off your shoulders. 

About Michelle:

Michelle Modesto is a writer, hockey fanatic, lover of most art forms, terrible cook and her social skills aren't that great either. Her debut YA novel, REVENGE AND THE WILD comes out from Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, early 2016. She lives in Northern California in a double-wide mobile asylum with two mastiffs who don't listen to her and two teenagers who also don't listen to her.

Michelle Modesto is represented by John Cusick at The Greenhouse Literary Agency.

Website | Twitter |Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

10 winners will receive a finished copy of REVENGE AND THE WILD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/25/2016- IceyBooks- Interview

1/26/2016- Book Briefs- Review

1/27/2016- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

1/28/2016- Novel Novice- Review

1/29/2016- Good Choice Reading- Interview

Week Two:

2/1/2016- Brooke-Reports- Review

2/2/2016- The Irish Banana Review- Guest Post

2/3/2016- Bookish Lifestyle- Review + Interview

2/4/2016- Supernatural Snark- Interview

2/5/2016- Ex Libris- Review