Guide to categories – Author Interview – an interview with an author, if there is no review from me, I have not read the book and cannot speak to its appropriateness for a school library

Links in this post may be affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will not cost you more but may pay me an affiliate fee.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites. Thank you for using my links.

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 3)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: March 26, 2024

She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?

Sports fanatic Derin Vargas steps down from his position as foreman of Vargas Ranch to run the family’s new sports complex. Uncomfortable in his new role, he compensates by being bossy. When a famous pro-tennis player stays at the resort to rehab after surgery, Derin points out her shortcomings no one else will.

Pro-tennis player Madison Moore heads to a remote sports complex on Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort to finish rehabbing after shoulder surgery. As she fears the death of her pro career, the bossy cowboy manager gets under her skin.

Will Derin soften his rough edges to win over the beautiful tennis player? Will Madison listen to the hard truth about her future while opening her heart to love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author – Karen Baney

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen Baney

101 Questions

In Falling for a Bossy Cowboy, Derin Vargas desperately wants to change how he sees and interacts with women. One of his buddies recommended an app for 101 Questions to Ask on a Date.

When I incorporated this into the novel, the interactions between Madison and Derin became so much easier (and fun!) to write. I searched for new questions and added them with answers from the character’s point of view.

But where did this idea come from? A marriage seminar. I highly recommend using 101 questions for any couple, married or just dating. It’s a great way to get to know the person you’re with, without all the awkward “what do we talk about?”.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Falling for a Bossy Cowboy from Madison Moore’s point of view.

______

Madison watched as Derin pulled his phone from his shirt pocket, swiping and tapping a few times. Then he looked up, expression serious, and asked the most bizarre question.

“If you were stranded on a deserted island and could choose any three things to have with you, what would you pick and why?”

“What?” Her eyes rounded.

“You heard the question, Madi.”

She chewed slowly, mulling it over.

“That’s hard.”

“Right?” He chuckled.

“What would you pick?”

“No dodging it. I’ll answer after you do.”

“Ugh. Let’s assume I have food and water.”

Derin narrowed his eyes and conceded.

“My Bible.”

He rolled his eyes.

“What? It’s a legit answer.”

“So says every church goer. Next?”

“You wouldn’t?”

He wagged a finger at her as he stabbed a chunk of roast before popping it in his mouth.

“Chocolate.”

Derin tossed his head back and chuckled loudly. So much so that a few heads turned their direction. “Women.”

“And a Costco-sized bag of ground coffee.”

“How are you making the coffee?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure I could figure it out.”

Madison pushed her empty plate away. “Your turn.”

“First choice? You.”

Heat flamed her cheeks. What was he saying?

“Second choice would be Djano.”

Madison quirked an eyebrow.

“My horse. And that’s only because you put the stipulation that food and water aren’t an issue. So, he won’t starve.”

She snorted. “Me and your horse.”

“Yup. And my hat. That’s it.”

“Me, your horse, and your hat.” She shook her head. “Why me?”

Derin’s eyes glinted with mirth. “You’re insanely beautiful. Smart. Very entertaining.”

Her cheeks warmed at the compliment.

“We would fight like cats and dogs.”

He shook his head. “I’m not buying that.”

“I can’t stand you.”

“Not buying that either.” Derin grinned. “Here’s another one. Have you ever won an award for a sport?”

Madison snatched up the phone. “Huh. That’s really the question. What is this?”

“One hundred and one questions to ask on a date.”

“Is this a date?”

“Welcome to the party, Madi.”

Heat warmed her face. Derin was one of a kind. She shook her head and handed him his phone.

Author Interview – Karen Baney

When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

In 2010, I experienced a crisis of faith following a minor surgery on my hand. Once I healed from it, I asked God what He wanted me to do since I was not called to be a mom. Through much prayer and searching, I felt the tug to write. A short time later, I wrote A Dream Unfolding, my debut Christian historical romance novel.

And I haven’t stopped writing. Today, I have released over 25 novels spanning several genres including: Christian historical romance, contemporary Christian romance, and contemporary Christian western romance.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

I love to cook and to use my pellet smoker. Yeah, that’s right. The smoker is mine, not my husband’s. I enjoy learning new recipes for brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and more. The best part is leftovers for another meal. 😊

What is your favorite thing about this time of year?

Thanksgiving! I love including Thanksgiving scenes in my books. Though Falling for a Bossy Cowboy doesn’t include a Thanksgiving scene, the next book in the series does. I also included a Thanksgiving scene in most of my Colter Sons historical series. Why do I love Thanksgiving so much? I have fond memories of gathering with my dad’s extended family as a teenager. We would eat too much food and just enjoy each other’s company. As an adult, I often host a Thanksgiving meal for my family and friends, and I look forward to spending time with them.

What historical figure do you admire and why?

The Women Air Service Pilots during WWII are very inspirational. I love their grit and willingness to learn to fly any airplane. Most pilots fly only a few models. These women were tasked with flying everything from fighter planes to massive bombers. I loved that they embraced the cutting-edge technology of their day: aviation. And they were passionate about doing their part.

As a former K-12 school librarian (and since this blog is geared toward school librarians) I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

Some of my favorite authors as a kid and teen were Judy Blume (Superfudge!) and Janette Oke. I remember little about Judy Blume other than her stories really resonated with me. Janette Oke was truly inspirational. I loved the way she weaves faith into the stories through engaging characters. That and she responded to a letter I sent her as a teen. I still have it to this day. (Authors – you can really shape a reader and future writer with how you respond to fan mail.)

Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 7

Fiction Book Lover, November 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Simple Harvest Reads, November 12 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, November 13

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 14 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 15

For the Love of Literature, November 16 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Blossoms and Blessings, November 18 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, November 19 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5488/

Read more Author Interview posts

Check out my lists on Benable.

Do you enjoy these reviews? Want to help support this blog? You can leave a tip here.

Purchase this bundle of Thanksgiving printables in my Etsy shop