by Jacquie Rogers
Copyright © 2012 Jacquie Rogers
Yes, the season of love means chocolate and flowers. My favorite flowers are daisies, because they're so happy, and lilacs, because I love their fragrance. I love roses, too. They're beautiful and my husband never lets a holiday go by without bringing a new and unique arrangement. Few people would ever guess my secret, but I'll whisper it to you if you don't tell anyone. He's a romantic at heart.
So is Socrates. No, not that Socrates. I'm talking about the philosopher mule, the one who decides his human is lacking in the love department, and sets out to do something about it. Um, yes, with or without his human's consent. Don't think he'll keep his opinions to himself, either. Socrates has quite a unique point of view and his own web page, as would any mouthy mule.
In my opinion, his ultimate matchmaking goal was to make it into a book, and with a little luck onto the Big Screen. Sorry to say, Socrates never quite made it that far, but he did get his picture on the book cover. Speaking of which, here's the blurb to his book, Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues:
It Happened in the Idaho Desert
The rodeo clown: Brody wants the thrill of bullfighting and the wind at his feet.
The actuary: Rita doesn't want anything to do with a busted up cowboy—and odds are, Brody will be.
The mule: Socrates understands humans. And love, even if humans don't. Can Socrates lead Brody to Rita's heart? Will Rita let herself take the biggest risk of all?
Reviews:
CTRR Award "...extraordinary tale with splendid characterizations"
NOR Top Pick "...definitely a keeper"
PNR Top Pick "...sexy, sharp, witty and just plain fun!"
TRS Sweetheart of the Week "...an excellent romance guided by Socrates' comments, plans, and ingenuity."
SingleTitles.com "...a treasure not to be missed."
Brody opened the pickup door and grinned at Rita. She wished he wouldn’t do that—he knew very well what his smile did to most women. Not her, of course, but most women. “It’s never hard on a man’s ego when a woman thinks he’d be good in the sack.”
Rita rolled her eyes. “Well, it was the drugs talking, not Mom.”
“You think so?” Instead of getting in the rig, he strode toward her and put his hands on her waist.
She gazed into his eyes, darker in the evening light. “I know so. I’ve never heard her say such things.”
“Doesn’t mean she wasn’t telling her real thoughts.” His face drew nearer hers.
“Don’t believe what she said about how I feel about you.” Her voice breathless, she knew she should escape, but somehow she couldn’t.
“No?” His hands tightened on her waist and his eyes darkened.
She held still, hoping he wouldn’t kiss her, but not able to resist staring at his lips. “Lord, help me.”
Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues is available from Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, and other online stores. It's available in both digital and print. Jacquie's current release is a western historical romance, Much Ado About Marshals, and coming soon is Much Ado About Madams.
One commenter on Jacquie's post will win a free copy of
and all this week's commenters will be entered in the
Cupid Party Grand Prize Drawing!
You could win Six Free Books
and a
New Kindle!
Comment each day for six chances to win the Kindle and all Six Books!
Daily winners and Grand Prize winner will all be announced February 12, 2012
Small print:
- USA mailing only for the Kindle.
- Email address must be included in comment to qualify for the drawing.
Monday: Heather Hiestand
Tuesday: Jacquie Rogers
Wedenesday: Beth Trissel
Thursday: Ginger Simpson
Friday: Karen M. Nutt
Saturday: Linda LaRoque
Sunday: Chicken Dinner, all winners announced!
Good Luck!
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! If you want a fun resd this is the book to read.
ReplyDeletemoriahhh at yahoo . com
Thanks, Moriah. I'm glad you liked it!
DeleteJacquie, that mouthy mule was a favorite character of mine from your book, Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues!
ReplyDeleteGerri, Socrates just says what needs to be said. In his opinion. LOL Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteYour books sound wonderful! I love finding new authors. :-)
ReplyDeleteslandon9903(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, Sarah! Maybe you'll win a copy. I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI have to get this book Jacquie...a mule matchmaker:-) Does he kiss Rita? Not the mule of course. LOL - Tammy Smith
ReplyDeleteTammy, no, Socrates never does kiss Rita, but he does deposit mule apples in her ex-boyfriend's convertible. Does that count? :)
DeleteCan't wait to read this one!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Suzan. Enjoy!
DeleteI read this book and just adore it. It has the right mix of romance and humor.
ReplyDeleteannfesATyahooDOTcom
I'm so glad you liked the book. It's one of those that's a bit different so I never know how it will go over. But I loved these characters so I'm always thrilled when other readers do, too. Best of luck in the drawing!
DeleteThe book sounds really interesting because it has got to be rare to have a rodeo clown as the romantic hero. I also love the shoes on the cover!
ReplyDeletemelorabrock {at} gmail {dot} com
Anme, I don't know of any other rodeo clown heroes, but I'm sure there are. It's such a dangerous career--no sane person would ever pursue it. Of course, that's exactly why it's such a perfect fit for my hero, who doesn't cooperate with his family's plans for him.
DeleteAnd you know, I've had at least 3 or 4 dozen emails from readers asking where they can find some of those high heels with spurs. Answer--I don't know, but they sure are cool!
Sounds like a good read to me. Very fun. And I Love the romantic mule. Interesting aside, I once knew a wise horse named Socrates. Learned a lot from him, like not to ever try to ride him again or he'd swiftly dislodge me. He also bossed me around and had me fetching and carrying for him. And he wasn't even my horse, but he respected his mistress. I hadn't earned his respect, puny teen that I was. And never did. But he earned mine.
ReplyDeleteBeth, those four-legged critters sure know how to get the best of us sometimes. Few humans are up to besting the animals in Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues--there's also an Australian Shepherd and a skunk who aid and abet Socrates.
DeleteSocrates the mule--so sweet. I need Socrates to help my love life, too. Men can be so mule-ish. LOL It sounds like such a wonderful story, Jacquie. I wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteSarah, there's no doubt about it--Socrates could fix you right up. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI can't wait to read this book, yeah, so excited. Love cowboys and rodeos.
ReplyDeletebeverlybyrd2002@yahoo.com
Me, too, Beverly! And the only people crazier than rodeo clowns/bullfighters are spray plane pilots. If I ever get around to writing contemporary again, maybe I'll go for one of those.
DeleteJacquie, You know I love your writing. The kid's western valentines are so cute. They remind me of ones I would have chosen as a kid. Are they vintage or do they still sell them like that?
ReplyDeleteCaroline, unfortunately they're vintage. Now they have Transformer and Harry Potter valentines. I sure love the old ones, though. I remember getting two from a certain boy when I was in the fourth grade--the sure sign of true love. LOL
DeleteJacquie,
ReplyDeleteI loved Socrates. That was a stroke of genius you had. Your husband sounds like a keeper--he MUST be a romantic at heart! Those are few and far between.
HUGS,
Cheryl
Cheryl, he's definitely a keeper (my husband, that is). Socrates can get a bit overbearing, though.
DeleteYour book sounds great! Gotta love cowboys! Some of my favorite stories. ;D Thanks!
ReplyDeleteshadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
shadow_kohler, thanks for stopping by and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThis was such a sweet and heartwarming story! I loved Socrates. :)
ReplyDeleteSocrates loves you back, Karen (and so do I). I'll be looking forward to your post on Friday!
DeleteCowboys are a 'made in USA' proud... glad you are giving us love and honor @ home
ReplyDeleteGood to see you here, Cy! Best of luck in the drawing.
DeleteEveryone should check out eBookIsle. Awesome bookstore and they are familiar with every single book they carry, too.
I enjoyed the snippet. Sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeletetamsyn5(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tamsyn, thanks! I hope you enjoy it, and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteLucky girl that has a husband that brings her flowers ;-) Love your characters and the excerpt was great!
ReplyDeletechristina_92 at yahoo.com
Christy, I'm lucky in real life, that's for sure. My husband is definitely a Keeper and a great model for my heroes. Very fun to research. :)
DeleteBased on the title alone it sounds like a great fun book. Really liked the excerpt too.
ReplyDeletebacchus76 at myself dot com
A writer friend of mine, Deborah Macgillivray, gave the book its title. She was designing the book cover and said this book was paced more like a song. I thought the title was too long so told her I'd go for it if she could get it all on the cover. Well, she did, so here we are. LOL.
Deleteit looks like some good chuckles. never thought of a mule dabbling in a human's life. well there was Francis, but that's another tail. heh
Deletelarriane at hotmail.com
Larion, I've never seen Francis the Talking Mule, but I want to. Socrates doesn't talk. His credo is actions speak louder than words, and he's quite effective at communication without voicing his thoughts in words.
DeleteBTW, I did see Mr. Ed when I was little--do you remember that show? I thought it was hysterically funny, and wonder if it would be even half as funny if I were to watch it today. Probably so. :)
Flowers and chocolates and the gorgeous guy on the cover! carol5g43@aim.com Carol G
ReplyDeleteHe is a looker. Love that sparkle in his eye. :) Ginger Simpson uses him for her Cowboy Kisses blog, and he's on a few other covers, too. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteI really love the book, Down Home Ever lovin Mule Blues had me laughing so hard I cried and had me rootin for Brody to get Rita. I loived the mule apple scene on the Miata!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mercedes. Nothing like bathroom humor. I have to laugh every time I see a Miata now, just thinking of mule apples behind the headrest. :)
ReplyDelete