I thought it might be fun to share in interview with two hunky, sweet rodeo cowboys from my Rodeo Romance series today.
Kellan Lutz – my idea of a perfect Tate Morgan.
Tate Morgan is a saddle bronc rider out to claim a championship title and the girl he loves in The Christmas Cowboy, the first book in the series.
Colin Wayne – the perfect Cort McGraw
Wrestlin’ Christmas, the second installment, shares Cort McGraw’s story as a sidelined steer wrestler who falls for a widow down on her luck.
Welcome to you both. Tell us a little about you.
Tate: I live on the ranch that my grandfather started back in the early 1900s. We’re about thirty miles from Kennewick, Washington, where we primarily raise beef cattle, wheat, and hay.
Cort: I used to live near Boise, Idaho, until my sister shanghaied me and dumped me at Tate’s door. Now, I’m working on a ranch about fifteen minutes away from the Morgan place.
What happened with your rodeo career?
Cort: In April, I did a number on my knee when I jumped off my horse to wrestle a steer at a rodeo. I knew the moment I hit the ground I wasn’t walking out of the arena. The doctors have all assured me I either stop competing or cripple myself for life. Since I like the ability to walk, I guess my rodeo career is effectively over.
Tate: It isn’t the end of the world, man. You never know what great thing is waiting just around the corner.
Are you always so optimistic, Tate?
Tate: (Shrugs) Usually. Might as well think positive. It can’t hurt anything.
Cort: (Rolls his eyes) He should add that he’s super annoying to his friends with that can-do attitude.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Cort: Eating. (Chuckles and rubs a hand over his flat stomach). I do enjoy all the treats that seem to accompany the holiday season, but I think Christmas Eve is my favorite part of the holiday. My family goes to church, then we sit around a crackling fire and visit before my Dad reads to us. It’s just a nice time to connect and unwind with the people I care about most.
Tate: I agree with Cort on all accounts. It’s the time spent connecting with those we love that make the holiday special – and the treats. I never turn down a good holiday cookie.
Cort: Or cake, or pie. Or…
(Tate playfully slugs his arm)
You’ve both sustained major injuries competing in rodeo. Can you tell us a little about the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund?
Tate: It’s an amazing organization that steps in to help injured rodeo athletes when they’ll be out of work for while and are facing financial hardship.
Cort: Both of us were fortunate not to require assistance, but the JCCF is a lifesaver for some rodeo families.
Thank you both for joining us. Any parting words for our readers?
Tate: If you enjoy, sweet western romances, I hope you’ll consider reading our stories in The Christmas Cowboy and Wrestlin Christmas.
