Vicki Ballante - Sugar and Spice: Spotlight and Interview

Today, I want to introduce a writer for Decadent Publishing, Starla Kaye. She's going to answer some questions and then we'll spotlight her new release. Wow, she's really written many books and a variation of genres.

Interview:

Share two things that inspired your book.

That would have to be Calhoun Cordell and Daniel Patterson themselves, the heroes in my first book involving them: The CEO and The Cowboy. I felt such a bond with the two very different men and felt they needed something (someone) else in their life. Someone who could shake them up, and grow closer together at the same time.

What was your favourite scene to write?

I liked many of them, but I always enjoy the first time two characters really butt heads. In this story, that was when Ruby is determined to leave after having her initial talk with the big, stubborn rancher (Calhoun). She’s ready to walk out his door after telling him, “I don’t need this job.” It’s a bit complicated at that moment, but basically he says, “The hell you are!” and she counters with, “The hell I’m not!”

Is this book part of a series? If so, describe the series and what part your book plays in it.

It isn’t exactly a series, but this is the sequel to The CEO and The Cowboy. That story was when Calhoun and Daniel first met and when Calhoun fully realized that he was attracted to men, in particular the GQ businessman. It upset his way of thinking and the two men struggled with their relationship, but that story ended with a Happily For Now. In For Ruby’s Love, the men have become comfortable together and yet there is a sense that something is still missing in their lives. When Ruby enters their world to help Calhoun with an emotionally traumatized horse, both men are drawn to her, both men struggle with that idea.

Tell us three quirky or interesting things about yourself.

1) I collect far too many things, mostly my sister’s fault. If I find something I like (for instance a teapot), she latches onto that idea and buys me more for birthdays, Christmas, etc.

2) I mentor/teach senior adults who have finally discovered they have time and an interest in learning to write. I adore my people. They can be such fun to work with.

3) My husband of what seems like forever is an accountant (okay, somewhat on the boring side) and brags about me writing romance far too often to his clients and friends. He loves telling everyone he is my muse, my model “perfect” man.

Starla Kay’s Book, For Ruby’s Love

Decadent Publishing

Length: 87 pages – 32,000 words

Genre(s): Contemporary Erotic Western, GLBT, M/M, F/M

Blurb:

Rancher Calhoun Cordell and businessman Daniel Patterson have struggled for almost two years as a couple, with careers and goals often in conflict. A tragic fire, leading to a traumatized valuable breeding mare, has Calhoun sending for a well-known horse whisperer. Except the man is dead. His daughter, Ruby McMurtry, shows up for the job instead and complicates their lives even more.

Book Links:

About the Author:

Starla Kaye wears many hats professionally and as a writer. She is the community coordinator for a Midwestern accounting firm, a gerontologist who volunteers with an active group of senior adults, a mentor/teacher of writing, and a multi-published author. She dabbles in writing romances of many sub-genres: contemporary, historical Western, medieval, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, and Regency. To date she has published 20 novels, 38 novellas, 8 anthologies, and 18 short stories.