TANYA HANSON: Is it possible to combine “spicy” and “sweet” outside of the kitchen?

Is it possible to combine “spicy” and “sweet” outside of the kitchen? Can these two tasty adjectives co-exist in the romance-writing world?

Well, I’m sure hoping so, because I’ve got releases fitting both descriptions coming out at just about the same time this summer. I’m using the same author name on all of them…and even though I share the same name as a porn star, (although she at least spells is HanSEN) I’m right proud of it.

First off, my second book in the sensual “Paradise Brides” series from The Wild Rose Press, Marrying Mattie, is described as “spicy.”. It features a handsome horse doctor, Call Hackett, who makes his first appearance in Paradise, Nebraska, circa 1880, in Marrying Minda (also available now), when he tries to woo the mail-order bride Minda Becker away from her reluctant bridegroom. When her hottie cowboy husband Brixton Haynes falls head over heels in love with her, I reckoned Call Hackett deserved a love story all his own.

Hence, Mattie Carter, Minda’s sister, steals his heart. He’s rightfully nervous on the night of their wedding..he’s a a virgin, and she’s been married before. Fortunately, she manages to assuage his doubts and inexperience in just the right away…in an opening scene that gets this book the description “spicy.”

Okay, so what’s the “sweet” part in all of this?

Well, in 2008, my family experienced a true nightmare, my husband’s diagnosis with testicular cancer. It was during these trying, desperate months that I first entertained the notion of writing inspirational romance. My faith was tested almost beyond endurance. When my hubby was declared “cancer-free,” praise God! I thought I’d give the inspy circuit a whirl.

I entered the “Hearts Crossing” contest at the inspirational house White Rose Publishing and was thrilled beyond words when my contemporary Western entry, Hearts Crossing Ranch, a finalist in the contest, received a contract. As well as a contract for a follow-up about one of the siblings, Redeeming Daisy, out September 10.  

 

So I’m comfortable in both worlds. Life is good. God is good. It doesn’t get any better than this. In future, the third in the Paradise Brides series Marrying Molly, and stories about all the Hearts Crossing Ranch siblings should hit the presses.

Tomorrow I’m having a Release Party at The Romance Studio and giving away a signed copy of Marrying Mattie. I sure hope to see you there. For a second chance to win a signed copy, please sign my website guest book

Oh, in parting, please get the guy in your life to check his family jewels on a regular basis. That’s my new mission in life. It could save his life. It’s called TSE… it’s not rocket science any more than your BSE is, but there are directions on line and from his doctor.

Quick blurbs: Marrying Mattie, available today, The Wild Rose Press and Amazon

Caldwell Hackett knows everything about horseflesh and nothing about women, yet he's managed to snare beautiful Mattie Carter's heart. With their wedding coming up, he's nervous about his inexperience in the bridal bed, but his lovely fiancee manages to ease his worries in just the right way.
Mattie Carter is hopelessly in love with the handsome horse doctor and knows this marriage will be wonderful, unlike her first one that was fraught with her wealthy husband's infidelity. Eager to begin her new life with Call, Mattie is heartbroken when her former husband halts their vows, claiming to the whole church she's still his wife.
Can Mattie regain Call's trust? Can Call, whose livelihood is threatened when an epidemic hits the horses in Paradise, figure out the truth with Mattie's help? Or will these star-crossed lovers be destined to live apart?

Redeeming Daisy, available September 10:

Veterinarian rancher Pike Martin has no choice but to advise putting down the fatally ill dog. Daisy Densmore swears it's revenge for her mistreatment of Pike's brother years ago. Although stung by her insult at his professionalism, Pike finds himself drawn to the troubled young woman who flounders in faith and aches for love and acceptance.
Costly mistakes years back have sent Daisy down an unrighteous path. Abandoned by her ex-husband, humliated and broke, she'd had no choice but to return to Mountain Cove, Colorado to put her parents' roof over her heard. As soon as she saves some money, she'll be gone. Until Pike Martin's soft voice, caring manner. and downright empathy for her wounds tempt her to stay.
With God on his side, can Pike help Daisy along the path to forgiveness, trust, and whole-hearted love?

Hearts Crossing Ranch, available now White Rose Publishing and Amazon:
Cowboy Kenn Martin bears the guilt for allowing a coach to ruin his younger brother’s bright athletic future. Feeling unworthy of any happiness, he’s lost his faith in relationships and in God. When he meets Christy Forrest, he begins to hope for redemption but soon learns his past mistakes aren't something she'll easily forgive.
On the Colorado wagon train adventure planned by her late father, landscape designer Christy Forrest seeks to find peace in the nature she loves. However, she can't let go of her anger at the drunk driver who killed her dad—or the woman who did nothing to stop the man from driving. Falling for Kenn Martin begins to lighten her heart…until she realizes the handsome cowboy carries heavy a burden all his own—a burden she’s not sure she can accept.