Starla Kaye's Blog, page 21
January 24, 2015
Contests, contests, contests
Contests…and more contests
Do you like having a chance to win something uniquely fun? Along with a chance to get a glimpse into a new book? Personally, I do. I love contests, especially hosting them.
In connection with the release of For Ruby’s Love from Decadent Publishing, I am having five contests. Three have already started and two more will come soon. All are on blogs that have given me a chance to visit.
For Ruby’s Love available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Decadent Publishing, iBooks, Kobo
Current Contests
Please stop by and leave a comment per instructions. (You can also leave a comment here to be part of ALL the contests.)
CONTEST: Decadent Publishing Blog (January 20-27) – Buck up, cowboy, Ruby’s here!
In honor of my spunky cowgirl, I am giving away a pink and black ball hat claiming “Hell Hat No Fury Like a Woman in Spurs.” Leave a comment about why you love a cowboy and include your email address. One lucky commenter will be chosen on January 27th.
CONTEST: Lea Bronsen Blog (January 21-28) – Character interview
In honor of my spunky cowgirl, I am giving away a cute/sexy pouch that can hand on your belt, go in your purse, whatever you want. Leave a comment and include your email address. One lucky commenter will be chosen on January 28th.
CONTEST: Jennah Scott Blog (January 22-29) – For Ruby’s Love
In honor of my spunky cowgirl, I am giving away a pink and black ball hat claiming “Cowgirl so many cowboys…so little rope.” Leave a comment about why you love reading about a woman strong enough to pull her own against a stubborn man and include your email address. One lucky commenter will be chosen on January 29th.
Watch for two more contests to be announced soon.
by Starla Kaye
The post Contests, contests, contests appeared first on Starla Kaye.
January 21, 2015
A Cowboy and His Boots
A Cowboy and His Boots
In connection with my new release of For Ruby’s Love from Decadent Publishing, I am sharing some helpful information on cowboy boots.
Boots are only a small part of a cowboy’s “uniform.” How much do you know about boots? Did you know there is a patron saint of shoe and boot makers, Saint Crispin?
Here is a quick course about the basics of cowboy boots.
PIPING: The founded strips of leather running up the sides of the boot, centered.
PULL HOLES: These are finger holes at the tops of boots, which have replaced pull straps. Cowboys sometimes refer to them as “windows.”
PULL STRAPS: These are leather straps attached to either the outside or inside at the back tops of boots. Used to help pull on the boots. Working cowboys tend to not have this because the straps can get caught on things or rub against a leg and cause discomfort.
SCALLOP: This is the V-shape on the front and back the boot.
SHANK: This is the part of the boot used to reinforce the cowboy’s arch.
SOLE: Besides the heel, this is the only part of the boot that makes contact with the ground.
SPUR REST: This is a ridge on the back of the boot that helps to hold up a spur.
STAY: This is a strip of leather running up and down the back of the inside of the boot lining for support of the boot. Cowboys commonly prefer a four-inch wide strip that runs from the bottom of the boot to the top.
TOE BOX: This is a stiff piece of material in the top of the boot toe between the outer leather and the lining to reinforce the shape.
TOE BUG: Decorative stitching common to each boot maker. It is sometimes called the “toe flower” or “medallion.”
TONGUE: The top part of the vamp sewn onto the upper front portion of the boot. It is usually reinforced with another layer of leather because the cowboy’s stirrup hits this area of the boot.
VAMP: The lower part of the boot that covers the foot.
STYLE: There are basically two types of western styles: traditional and fashion. Traditional boots are functional with a classic design.
MATERIAL: Leather is the most traditional material for boots, but there are many exotic materials used, mainly for dressing up.
COLOR: Traditional boots are in neutral, earthy tones such as brown, black or gray.
HEEL HEIGHT: In the old westerns, the average heel height for a cowboy’s boot was 2 inches. The heights today vary from nearly flat to 4-inch stiletto. But the traditional western boot has a height of 1 ¾ inches, to fit well in stirrups.
TOES: Boots come in various styles of toes, such as pointed, square, and rounded. The classic cowboy boot has toes that are tapered (smaller towards the tip), but also rounded. This style is easier to slip the foot in and out of stirrups. Pointed toes can go all the way to “needle pointed” and are popular in today’s fashion. Rounded toes are popular for rodeo calf-ropers. It is a good choice for a walking boot, but not for riding long distances. Square toes are more of a fashion statement, but they are popular for riding boots and walking boots.
REFERENCES:
Cowboy Boot Buyer’s Guide for Novices
by Starla Kaye
The post A Cowboy and His Boots appeared first on Starla Kaye.
January 20, 2015
For Ruby’s Love is here!
For Ruby’s Love has just been released from Decadent Publishing and I am so excited.
It has it all, in my biased opinion. Daniel, the hot, handsome CEO from The CEO and The Cowboy is back. Calhoun, his big, stubborn cowboy lover returns, too, even more stubborn.
Ruby Tuesday McMurtry, a cowgirl horse whisperer, barrels into their lives and knocks them both off kilter. Calhoun doesn’t want her services because she’s a petite woman. Daniel thinks he should give her a fair chance to prove her skills. Ruby is more than annoyed with the gruff cowboy for his ridiculous attitude.
Will there ever be peace at Calhoun’s ranch again? Can the two men really let Ruby leave? Does she want to?
In support of For Ruby’s Love release, I will be taking part in a blog tour with a number of contests. Check out the list of tour stops under Events.
Starting it all off, I am at the Decadent Publishing blog today. There is a CONTEST for one lucky winner of a fun pink and black ball hat proclaiming “Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman in Spurs.” Leave a comment on the blog about why you love a cowboy and include your email address. The winner will be chosen January 27.
For Ruby’s Love is available as an ebook at:
Starla Kaye
The post For Ruby’s Love is here! appeared first on Starla Kaye.
January 18, 2015
Traumatized Horses
Therapy for Traumatized Horses
People, particularly soldiers, may experience PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). Horses, too, can suffer from the disorder. Such animals may have been exposed to chronic stress, constant adrenaline, cruel treatment, poor training, and other traumatic-inspiring situations.
They can manifest their problems in poor behavior, having the fight/flight syndrome, being hyper-vigilant about the world around them, and becoming distrustful and unmanageable.
My heroine in For Ruby’s Love is a horse therapist, sometimes known for being a horse whisperer. Calhoun is a rancher who had a tragic barn fire that resulted in the loss of a couple of his horses and the traumatization of his prize-breeding mare. He had hired the services of Ruby and her father to hopefully emotionally heal the horse, but when it’s only going to be her… Well, he’s not agreeable.
For Ruby’s Love, from Decadent Publishing. Official release date: January 20.
Pre-order now from:
Here are some interesting and helpful links it you would like to know more about horse therapy and training.
References
Harmony Horseworks: http://www.harmonyhorseworks.com/newsletters/news06-10.htm
Empowering Horses: http://empoweringhorses.blogspot.com/2010/04/healing-for-horses.html
Holistic Horse: http://holistichorse.com/health-care/traumatized-horses-can-they-be-emotionally-and-mentally-healed/
Wise Wild Horses: http://www.wisewildhorses.com/home/index.html
The Horse Whisperer Method of Horse Training: http://www.infobarrel.com/The_Horse_Whisperer_Method_of_Horse_Training
How Can We Help Horses Get Over Traumatic Experiences: http://beeandthehorse.com/2014/09/25/traumatic-experiences-horses/
Training Horses Naturally: http://www.training-horses-naturally.com/the-horse-whisperer.html
Horse Whisperer: http://www.horsewhisperer.com/tips.htm
How to Become a Horse Whisperer: http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-%22Horse-Whisperer%22
by Starla Kaye
The post Traumatized Horses appeared first on Starla Kaye.
January 10, 2015
For Ruby’s Love is coming!
FOR RUBY’S LOVE coming soon! I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my sequel to The CEO and The Cowboy is about to be released. Coming January 20th.
Pre-Order Links:
BLURB:
Calhoun’s a simple cowboy with more problems in his life than he can handle at the moment. After nearly two years, he struggles to hang onto a relationship with Daniel, his first male lover. Daniel is worried about him because of the fire, his concern for his prized breeding mare, and because he is determined to buy the neighboring ranch to expand. But Daniel isn’t a businessman without goals of his own for expansion, a fact that frustrates Calhoun as well. He doesn’t want to lose Daniel, but will their differences finally be too much?
Daniel considers himself a lucky man to have met the rancher, someone almost his opposite and someone who he doesn’t want to live without. Standing beside the moody Calhoun has been difficult since the fire that burned down a horse barn, took the lives of two valuable horses, and traumatized a favored mare. Along with all of that, his harried friend is determined to expand his ranch holdings. Daniel is against the purchase and would prefer to find a way to slow the man down. Lately, he’s also begun worrying if maybe he isn’t enough to satisfy his lover’s needs.
Complicating everything even more, Ruby shows up later than expected at Calhoun’s ranch to honor a job as a horse therapist that her father had agreed to before his sudden death. She knows what happened to the mare and is certain she can help her, if given the chance. But the stubborn rancher can’t get past the idea of her being a woman, someone not strong enough to work with such a damaged horse. They butt heads over the matter until she finds an ally in Daniel. He is concerned and yet believes in her abilities. Another problem arises, though. She and Calhoun have been skirting around an unwanted attraction, and then she discovers another surprising interest between her and Daniel.
The post For Ruby’s Love is coming! appeared first on Starla Kaye.
January 9, 2015
For Ruby’s Love release – Jan. 20
Jan 20 – For Ruby’s Love – release
The post For Ruby’s Love release – Jan. 20 appeared first on Starla Kaye.
For Ruby’s Love
FOR RUBY’S LOVE
BLURB:
Calhoun’s a simple cowboy with more problems in his life than he can handle at the moment. After nearly two years, he struggles to hang onto a relationship with Daniel, his first male lover. Daniel is worried about him because of the fire, his concern for his prized breeding mare, and because he is determined to buy the neighboring ranch to expand. But Daniel isn’t a businessman without goals of his own for expansion, a fact that frustrates Calhoun as well. He doesn’t want to lose Daniel, but will their differences finally be too much?
Daniel considers himself a lucky man to have met the rancher, someone almost his opposite and someone who he doesn’t want to live without. Standing beside the moody Calhoun has been difficult since the fire that burned down a horse barn, took the lives of two valuable horses, and traumatized a favored mare. Along with all of that, his harried friend is determined to expand his ranch holdings. Daniel is against the purchase and would prefer to find a way to slow the man down. Lately, he’s also begun worrying if maybe he isn’t enough to satisfy his lover’s needs.
Complicating everything even more, Ruby shows up later than expected at Calhoun’s ranch to honor a job as a horse therapist that her father had agreed to before his sudden death. She knows what happened to the mare and is certain she can help her, if given the chance. But the stubborn rancher can’t get past the idea of her being a woman, someone not strong enough to work with such a damaged horse. They butt heads over the matter until she finds an ally in Daniel. He is concerned and yet believes in her abilities. Another problem arises, though. She and Calhoun have been skirting around an unwanted attraction, and then she discovers another surprising interest between her and Daniel.
The post For Ruby’s Love appeared first on Starla Kaye.
December 26, 2014
Trouble Times Three
TROUBLE TIMES THREE: The Caruther’s Sister Trilogy
BLURB:
Her Bewitched Cowboy:
Kiley Caruthers isn’t interested in being tied down by the restrictions of marriage. She’s happy with her life. She has a growing career as a cookbook writer, with ambitions to have her own cooking show. She doesn’t need some man to get in her way, to slow her down, or to tell her what to do. But her sisters have a different opinion about what she needs. They are pressing her to choose her future husband from the men they invite to a Halloween party. She decides to play along because it promises to be fun…and because it annoys her older brother and his far-too-stiff best friend. Something she specializes in.
Ethan Talbot’s ranch is one of the biggest in the state, keeping him busy. He hasn’t had an interest in marriage until he realizes he needs the “perfect” woman by his side. She must be socially acceptable, mannerly at all times, stylish, and satisfied in a supportive wifely role, with no ambitions of her own. She must be completely opposite of the “triplet terrors,” the sisters of his best friend. Okay, he has a minor interest in one of them, Kiley. But Hell will freeze over before….
Thankful…Oh, Yes!
Korey Caruthers is happy one of her triplet sisters found a man potentially the love of her life. And it looks like the other triplet, Katie, may be “leaning the other way.” Which means their older brother is left to concentrate on finding her a husband, with the help of his friend Ethan. She doesn’t need help in the romance department. Most men can’t keep with her, so she is happy with “temporary” lovers. Everyone can just leave her alone, thank you very much.
Dante Tarrango’s life is in transition after retiring as a pro football quarterback. He’s grateful his friend, Ethan, is letting him hide out on his ranch while he figures out his next steps. He wants to be free of everyone wanting to use him because of his name, his influence, and his wealth. Most of all he wants to avoid husband-hunting women. A bad marriage soured him on romance. But there is just something about the spunky sister of Ethan’s girlfriend. Something that is damn tempting, particularly when she isn’t interested in “permanent” either.
Santo’s Naughty Wife
Katie Caruthers has a big secret she’s been keeping from her family: she’s married. It was one of those weird things that happened on vacation. They’d agreed to a divorce by the end of the year and they hadn’t seen each other since that fateful two weeks in February. So, shouldn’t one of them be starting the process to end something that shouldn’t have happened?
Santo Closs is a man who sets goals and reaches them. His businesses focusing on Christmas have taken him far from the poor life of his childhood. He has wealth, but he doesn’t have a wife and children. Actually, he does have a wife. It’s complicated, and it’s time for him to face her again. But to do what?
The post Trouble Times Three appeared first on Starla Kaye.
Trouble Times Three released for the holidays
I am excited to announce that my three short story trilogy about triplet sisters and the holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) has been released.
TROUBLE TIMES THREE: The Caruther’s Sisters Trilogy
Available from Blushing Books, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble
BLURB:
Her Bewitched Cowboy:
Kiley Caruthers isn’t interested in being tied down by the restrictions of marriage. She’s happy with her life. She has a growing career as a cookbook writer, with ambitions to have her own cooking show. She doesn’t need some man to get in her way, to slow her down, or to tell her what to do. But her sisters have a different opinion about what she needs. They are pressing her to choose her future husband from the men they invite to a Halloween party. She decides to play along because it promises to be fun…and because it annoys her older brother and his far-too-stiff best friend. Something she specializes in.
Ethan Talbot’s ranch is one of the biggest in the state, keeping him busy. He hasn’t had an interest in marriage until he realizes he needs the “perfect” woman by his side. She must be socially acceptable, mannerly at all times, stylish, and satisfied in a supportive wifely role, with no ambitions of her own. She must be completely opposite of the “triplet terrors,” the sisters of his best friend. Okay, he has a minor interest in one of them, Kiley. But Hell will freeze over before….
Thankful…Oh, Yes!
Korey Caruthers is happy one of her triplet sisters found a man potentially the love of her life. And it looks like the other triplet, Katie, may be “leaning the other way.” Which means their older brother is left to concentrate on finding her a husband, with the help of his friend Ethan. She doesn’t need help in the romance department. Most men can’t keep with her, so she is happy with “temporary” lovers. Everyone can just leave her alone, thank you very much.
Dante Tarrango’s life is in transition after retiring as a pro football quarterback. He’s grateful his friend, Ethan, is letting him hide out on his ranch while he figures out his next steps. He wants to be free of everyone wanting to use him because of his name, his influence, and his wealth. Most of all he wants to avoid husband-hunting women. A bad marriage soured him on romance. But there is just something about the spunky sister of Ethan’s girlfriend. Something that is damn tempting, particularly when she isn’t interested in “permanent” either.
Santo’s Naughty Wife
Katie Caruthers has a big secret she’s been keeping from her family: she’s married. It was one of those weird things that happened on vacation. They’d agreed to a divorce by the end of the year and they hadn’t seen each other since that fateful two weeks in February. So, shouldn’t one of them be starting the process to end something that shouldn’t have happened?
Santo Closs is a man who sets goals and reaches them. His businesses focusing on Christmas have taken him far from the poor life of his childhood. He has wealth, but he doesn’t have a wife and children. Actually, he does have a wife. It’s complicated, and it’s time for him to face her again. But to do what?
By Starla Kaye
The post Trouble Times Three released for the holidays appeared first on Starla Kaye.
