First: To the fellow Americans who do it-- Happy Thanksgiving!

To everyone else: Happy Thursday!

I did not forget last week's email-- I just didn't send it. I was busy arguing with imaginary people.

I've been arguing with these people ever since I started writing the new book; which is supposed to kick off the Slow River Valley Ranchers series with Ranger O'Leary and his lovely fish-out-water city girl heroine, Serenity.

Ever since I started writing their story, Ranger's brother has been IRATE at having to wait for his book.

Gunner is second oldest and tougher than nails. He's grizzled and grumpy, he mutters in annoyance at everything around him, and he considers himself a much better example of a real life cowboy in the modern age-- unlike his big brother, who left the ranch years ago to go work in the soft, city, corporate sector of the ranching industry.

Gunner doesn't think Ranger deserves a book at all, but he especially doesn't see why Ranger's book should come before his.

Folks-- Gunner O'Leary is the kind of man that doesn't get kicked by his cattle; because the cows all know he kicks back.

And, when Gunner finds himself forced to share some very close quarters with a new employee who's every bit as stubborn and ornery as he is? Well...let's face it: he doesn't stand a chance.

And neither did Ranger and Serenity.

I admit it. I caved. Gunner and Clem are getting their book first.

Yes-- her name is Clementine. Yes, she has heard the jokes all her life. Yes, she will punch a man in the face for making fun of her name, and has on several occasions. Yes, she does scare Gunner a little bit-- and nothing scares Gunner.

Y'all, these two are so much fun to write, I don't know why I fought them so hard on it.

So, everything is right in my world again. (Well...as far as writing goes, I'm sparing you a lot of "writing a book in a house that's being remodeled" drama.)

The Cowboy's Close Quarters Claim is on schedule to make it down chimneys before Santa and that is my #1 item on the "what I'm thankful for" list this year.

Coming Soon:

Some steamy, bickering, enemies-to-lovers, boss/employee, grumpy/grumpier, forced proximity, just-one-bed kinda fun.

Now then, I was promised pie...

~Rocklyn

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