With: Melissa West
Giveaway Alert!
Hi there! My name is Melissa West, and I am the author of
RACING HEARTS, book 1 in the Hamilton Stables series, featuring horseracing,
and second chances at love, and a deep look at the awesome-ness that surrounds
a small town romance.
Prior to writing RACING HEARTS, I had published young adult
and new adult titles, but as a reader, my heart had always belonged to the
small town romance. I loved the way each character brought life to the story,
and how along the way you’d fall in love with not only the hero and heroine but
the whole town.
So as I sat down to write RACING HEARTS, I actually built
character sketches for the side characters. I wanted each character to have his
or her own story and that story to build into the main plot, adding to the
conflict and deepening those emotions. But also, I wanted these characters to
feel real. What I was left with was a neurotic mother going through menopause
and ready to tell anyone around her about it, a baker for an aunt, who’s in a
feud with her best friend over lost love, a decades long war between two small
towns that could rival even the oldest football rivalry, and the kind of gossip
you can only find in a small town. I wanted it to seem like these characters
had a stake in the outcome of the story, even if he or she really had nothing
at all to do with it.
Because, see, that’s the great wonder of the small town.
It’s about a community that feels a heck of a lot like family, and a town that
becomes its own character in the book.
What about you? Do you enjoy small town romances?
In the lush heart of Kentucky, the Hamiltons are horse racing royalty, born to produce champions. To win takes heart and soul—and to love takes the wild spirit of the land itself…
The oldest of three headstrong brothers, Trip Hamilton is considered the best horse trainer in the world. But he learned long ago to keep his focus on the horses and away from the riders. He’s seen the way heartbreak can waylay a career, and he’s determined not to risk it—until a stubborn, sexy rider thunders into his life, breaks his resolve, along with several of his rules, and takes his heart right out of the gate…
Emery Carlisle has a point to prove. She’ll be the first woman to win the prestigious Kentucky Derby, if only Trip will hire her, and let her ride the spirited colt she fell for at first sight. He won’t—unless she agrees to train with the horse at Hamilton Stables, under his guidance. It’s supposed to be strictly business, but as the race approaches, and their undeniable chemistry builds, Trip and Emery may be headed for the greatest win of all—as long as the losses of the past don’t gain on them…
Author Bio:
Melissa West writes heartfelt Southern romance and YA sci-fi romance,
all with lots of kissing. Because who doesn't like kissing? She lives
outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two daughters and spends most of
her time writing, reading, or fueling her coffee addiction.
Connect with Melissa at www.melissawestauthor.com or on Twitter
@MB_West. And for sneak peeks at upcoming titles, prizes, and more, join Mel's
Madhouse: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MelsMadhouse
Website:
I do enjoy small town romances... thanks for sharing about your book!
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