Ever since my third Harlequin American, I've been writing cowboy or rancher heroes, and I couldn't be happier. There's something incredibly sexy about a good looking man in a well-worn Stetson hat and faded jeans. A man who sits a horse with the same ease and comfort he does a kitchen chair. A man who knows how to hold a gal close as he two-steps her across the dance floor.

When my editor first approached me about being one of the authors in THE CODYS: FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO, I was understandably thrilled. I got to write about cowboys AND rodeos. What could be better? That's like getting to meet Brad Pitt at his newest film premier AND sit next to him during the showing (forgive me if I have Brad Pitt on the brain, my hero in DUSTY: WILD COWBOY is supposed to look like a young Brad Pitt - check out the cover, I think he does :)

Okay, I digress. Back to rodeos. I've been a fan of them since I was a teenager, when it wasn't cool to like anything having to do with cowboys. But I was a horse lover, a horse owner, and lived in Scottsdale, a town that once claimed to be the west's most western town (that is SO not true now ). I didn't care if none of my friends wanted to go to the rodeo, I went anyway. The biggest rodeo in Scottsdale was and still is the Parade del Sol.



Speaking of my mom, she read an advance copy of DUSTY: WILD COWBOY and loved it. Okay, she's my mom, and she loves all my book. That's not much of a recommendation. But she complimented me on my research and, I have to say, that pleased me because I did a lot for the book.

Watching rodeos is one thing. To be as accurate as possible, I had to immerse myself in the sport, particularly calf roping. Yes, it was hard and required a great deal of personal sacrifice, but I spent many hours in the company of cowboys and ropers, learning everything I could. When I wasn't getting lost in just watching them, that is .

Here's a couple pictures of the Payson Rodeo, which is the oldest rodeo in Arizona. I took them last summer when my friend and I went there to watch cowboys...I mean, research my book.





And here's a couple pictures from when I went to my first ever Professional Bull Riding event a few months ago, which wasn't quite like a regular rodeo but still fun.



As the saying goes, you should love what you write about. And I have to say, I do love cowboys. Wait, I think I already said that!

Warmest wishes,

Cathy McDavid

PS - Check out the other books in THE CODYS: FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO continuity. I had a blast participating and know you'll enjoy reading about Dusty's five siblings: Walker, Dex, Mark, Elly, and Jesse