Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I was raised in Middle Earth by a hobbit named Samwise
Gamgee who told us lots of…oh all right. I never know what to answer when asked
this because I’m just me and trying to make myself interesting is tough! I am
Canadian. I have two grown sons, have been married to my college sweetheart for
twice as long as I haven’t been married. I cook by smoke alarm, though I can
make a pretty good chocolate macaroon or English trifle. I was raised in the
country, surrounded by a horse farm on one side, a forest behind me, a
cornfield to the other side, and cattle across from me, where everyone was
related to everyone but me. And it was a half hour to forty five minute drive
to civilization. Which may explain why I like writing cowboy stories, and small
town stories where everyone knows everyone else’s business.
So how did you come up for this idea for the Grady Legacy?
After the success of my Tangled books at Carina Press, my
editor came to me and asked if I’d consider writing another western for them.
I’d been toying with the family drama idea for a while and started doodling
with ideas. I know how much connection to the land most farmers have, and how
precious it is to them and how it would hurt to face losing it, and that
sometimes long term marriages can be strong but may have suffered rocking times
to get there. So I came up with Ben’s story (Slow Ride Home) when he discovers,
after his father’s death, that someone else is claiming to be a Grady and part
owner of the land, and discovers his parents’ marriage wasn’t as strong as he’d
always thought it was, and that there really is another Grady, though he’s not
the one trying to steal part of the family ranch. As I was writing Ben’s story,
I realized that his brother Jake had a few secrets of his own, and that people
had been keeping secrets from Jake too that would destroy his world, and of
course, their half-sibling had to deal with everything as they discovered their
true identity. And The Grady Legacy was born.
Can you tell us a bit about this book?
No Accounting for Cowboys is Jake Grady’s story. In the
first book, you discovered that, at his mother’s urging and in an effort to
protect her, Jake had kept a secret from his brother, and that the ranch in
financial trouble thanks to thieving bookkeeper and her ranch-hand husband. In
Jake’s book, you get to see his side of the story, and why he did what he did,
his connection to the land and how he’s struggled to come out from the shadows
of his successful older brother. You also meet the new accountant Paige as she
traces through the family finances and unravel the mess the previous accountant
left. Paige was fun to write—instead of being the typical uptight bean counter,
she has tattooes and piercings and rides a motorbike. She and Jake strike up an
instant connection, especially since she’s seen his hidden persona. When he
finally gets the notice he desires from his singing and is offered a music
contract that would take him away from his beloved ranch, a contract he
considers no signing because he has no desire to walk away from the ranch, and
away from Paige, he is slapped with yet another secret, he realizes the only thing keeping on the
ranch anymore is Paige herself, and he’s not sure at that point in their relationship
if that’s enough.
What kind of research did you have to undergo for this great
read?
Oh boy, there was so much. I have several sources for the ranching side
of it. I had to make sure that the crops they grow and the issues they face are
realistic. I had to research the music industry and the difference between an
agent and a manager, and what it’s like to be on tour. And then there was the
constant checking that my characters were talking like Texans, not Canadians.
;)
What’s next for You?
I’m writing book 3 of the Grady Legacy, Gabe’s story, which is called
Wrangling The Past. Gabe’s story is quieter than Jake’s, because most of his
issues come from his past and how he’s felt as an adopted child who is now
discovering his real family and dealing with his changed circumstances. He’s also
discovering that now people think he has money, they’re treating him
differently and he doesn’t like it. After that I have to write a novella with a
m/m/f romance involving firefighters. It’s hot stuff! :D
Quickfire questions.
Hobbies?
Lately I’ve been playing around with making polymer
clay jewelry. It’s sort of like being back in kindergarten and playing with
playdough but with prettier results. Mostly.
Fave Color?
To wear – shades of blue, otherwise it often
depends upon my mood – usually in a dark red tone or a dark green.
Fave Drink?
French vanilla coffee.
Sport?
To watch – baseball. I love keeping a scoresheet at
the games. To play, golf.
Fave Food?
Cracker candy! Nom nom nom!
Fave Movie?
Oh wow, I have to choose only one? Okay, let’s
go with Notting Hill. I love watching it and dreaming I live in England and can
traipse the streets of London like Hugh does.
Fave TV Show?
The Big Bang Theory! I love the writing and
how they can get the jokes by taking a joke that is funny on its own and adding
one unexpected twist that makes it hilarious.
THANKS SO MUCH LEAH FOR PLAYING ALONG!!!
Jake Grady loves Bull's Hollow ranch and all the challenges
and hard work it entails. But the past year hasn't been easy—his father's good
name has been tarnished, and new financial problems are threatening to destroy
everything the Gradys have built. Performing live under a stage name has become
his escape, a way of blowing off some serious steam.
Accountant Paige Reynolds found Jake's guitar-playing alter
ego intriguing, but her connection with the real Jake sends her attraction into
overdrive. When she's summoned to make order out of the chaotic paper trail at
Bull's Hollow, he sets her world a-rocking—both in bed and out. But Paige has a
plan; she's determined to create her own path for the future, but is soon left
scrambling for firmer ground.
Good news about Jake's potential singing career is followed
by the revelation of another family secret, one that has him questioning
whether he belongs at Bull's Hollow at all. But leaving the ranch would mean
leaving his family…and Paige. How much is he willing to give up for a real shot
at fame?
Buy links -- you can pick and choose which ones you want:
Order from Carina Press ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~ Google
Play
My website: bit.ly/1o6z7If
Facebook Page: on.fb.me/1iXjlgU
Twitter: bit.ly/1kMdGWG
Pinterest: bit.ly/1kLL0yc
Fun links:
Jake's Playlist on YouTube: bit.ly/1qleQNE
Pinterest boards Leah created for inspiration: The Grady
Legacy board: http://bit.ly/1m8f4Uh
No Accounting for
Cowboys board: http://www.pinterest.com/leahbraemel/no-accounting-for-cowboys/
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