Spotlight & Giveaway: One Wedding, Two Brides by Heidi Betts

Posted June 17th, 2019 by in Blog, Spotlight / 71 comments

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Heidi Betts to HJ!
Spotlight&Giveaway

Hi Heidi and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, ONE WEDDING, TWO BRIDES!

 
Hi there! Thanks so much for having me!
 

To start off, can you please tell us a little bit about this book?:

City girl Monica Blair gets left at the altar…at least as far as she’s concerned. Determined to get back at the rat who jilted her, she heads for the wilds of Nevada to exact her revenge. A tall, sexy cowboy steps in to halt her in her tracks…and throw off all her ill-intentioned plans. But will that turn out to be the worst thing ever or a blessing in disguise?
 

Please share your favorite lines or quote(s) from this book:

There are a few that give me the warm fuzzies every time I read them. 😉 For instance…
When Monica thinks,

“Ryder was every hero she’d ever read or dreamed about, all rolled into one magnificent creature.”

Or when Ryder tells her:

“’Well, then… Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.’ And he kissed her, long and slow like every good Prince Charming should.”

 

What inspired this book?

One bit of inspiration was definitely the trip I took to Hawaii the year the RWA conference took place there. (A loooong time ago; I want to say 1995?) I loved the islands so much, I desperately wanted to set a story—or part of it, anyway—there. And what better excuse to visit Paradise than a honeymoon? Even a fake one. 😉

From there, I was simply inspired by a sexy cowboy, a jilted bride, and all the funny stuff a city girl can encounter when she’s out of her element on a working horse ranch.

 

How did you ‘get to know’ your main characters? Did they ever surprise you?

Well, who doesn’t love a cowboy? I got to know Ryder by watching several hundred hours of western movies and reruns—The Big Valley (a young Lee Majors–*swoon*), The Magnificent Seven (Michael Beihn–*double swoon*), The Magnificent Seven and 3:10 to Yuma film reboots… The research was grueling, I’m not gonna lie. 😉

And then for Monica…well, I just channeled myself—both the real me and the me I wish I could be. (Hope that makes sense! :P) Monica thinks and does and says a lot of things I suspect I would think and do and say if tossed into similar situations—with an added dose of “larger than life” and “go big or go home,” to make the story wildly entertaining, of course. 😉

 

What was your favorite scene to write?

Aack! That’s too difficult a question to answer…I have a lot of favorite scenes from this story. If pressed, Monica’s first trip to the barn with Ryder pops into my head. A city girl’s first time being surrounded by livestock-scented air, a dark and dusty straw-strewn barn, and giant beasts looming over her with their stomping hooves and flaring nostrils…she was pretty much terrified, and it cracked me up. And then, of course, she encountered the very worst creature nature has to offer—a spider in her boot. 8o

 

What was the most difficult scene to write?

Without a doubt, the scene that made me most nervous was when Ryder and Monica got stuck under the bed in his sister’s honeymoon suite. It’s a key scene, and definitely notches up the sexual tension between the hero and heroine, but it was a balancing act to keep it funny and sexy without letting it get squicky…if you know what I mean. I worked hard to make sure readers weren’t going to have an ewww moment while reading. (Think: a lot of covering your eyes and plugging your ears, singing, “La-la-la-la-la!” in your head. ;))

 

Would you say this book showcases your writing style or is it a departure for you?

Oh, this story definitely showcases all of my favorite things to write—humor, sexiness, quirkiness, and quick, sassy banter. I felt like I could really throw myself into Ryder’s and Monica’s world, let it all go (see “go big or go home” above) and had an absolute blast writing it.

 

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

I guess I’d like readers to feel like they’re on a mini-vacation while reading ONE WEDDING, TWO BRIDES. I want them to laugh and roll their eyes (in the good way ;)) and just…enjoy it. No deep thoughts, no anxiety…just a nice, relaxing romantic romp with characters I hope they’ll both relate to and love.

 

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I have another RomCom ready to come out with Entangled’s Lovestruck line, but at the moment I’m actually working on something a little different. A super-steamy, erotic-ish novella that will (hopefully) be part of a loosely connected trilogy of super-steamy erotic-ish novellas revolving around…wait for it…hot and sexy cowboys. 😉

 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

 

Giveaway: I would love to give away an ebook copy of ONE WEDDING, TWO BRIDES to one lucky visitor to this interview.In addition, if the winner turns out to be a U.S. resident and is willing to supply her mailing address, I’ll even top it off by offering a signed copy of one of my backlist paperbacks (winner’s choice, depending on availability) and whatever swag I can fit in the envelope with it. 

 

 

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: I could probably think of a lot of questions for readers, but let’s see what they come up with if I ask: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE LEFT AT THE ALTAR? Would you be calm and resolved…go bat-crap crazy…or something in between? 

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

Excerpt from One Wedding, Two Brides:

She kicked off her sandals and lifted the crop top over her head. Ryder turned just as she was shrugging out of her skirt and tossing it into a corner. He cocked his head and shot her an appreciative grin. “I love a woman who can read my mind.”

“It wasn’t too difficult,” she told him, walking across the carpeted floor and slipping her fingers into the waistband of his jeans. “You’ve been pressing your mind into my hip all night.” Her hand grazed the bulge at his groin while she crushed her breasts to his shirt-clad chest. His mouth twisted in a lopsided grin. He was absolutely adorable when he knew he was gonna get some.

She took the packs of condoms from his hand and tossed them on the bed, then began releasing the fastening of his jeans.

“Ah-ah-ah,” he tsked and caught her hands to halt their progress. “You are entirely too dictatorial in the bedroom, darlin’. How about you let me drive this time?”

“You drove last time,” she grumbled. But a flutter of anticipation swept through her belly at his suggestion.

“No.” His hands eased up her arms in a light caress. “I sat in the front seat, but you definitely drove.”

She lifted her eyes to his face and stuck out her tongue. He leaned forward in a lightning-quick motion and caught her tongue between his teeth. She felt the pressure of his nip, but it didn’t hurt.

Then he let go and said, “You’ll put that to use later. For now…” He shuffled her against the bed until her knees hit the edge and she toppled backward.

He was still fully clothed. She was entirely naked. The scuff of his well-worn jeans rubbing the insides of her thighs caused an involuntarily shiver to course through her veins. Leaning into her, he brought her calves higher, toward his waist, and she locked her ankles behind his back.

“So which do you want to try first?” he asked, reaching behind her for the boxes of protection. Holding one in each hand, he shook them until the contents rattled, and waggled
his brows at her suggestively.

She studied her options, then tilted her head to the side and met his gaze. “Which do you think?” she said, leaving him in no doubt that she had a definite preference.

He grinned and threw the mint ones over his shoulder. Then he handed her the condoms and began to strip.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO KISS A LOT OF FROGS…

Jilted bride Monica Blair can’t believe it when she wakes up next to a blue-eyed, smooth-talking cowboy in the middle of nowhere and with a ring on her finger. It had sounded like a great plan at the time. Get married, get revenge, and get her money back. So why is she cleaning out stables and trying to keep her hands off the hot cowboy helping her?

Ryder Nash would have bet his best Stetson that you’d never see him walk down the aisle. But when the city girl with pink-streaked hair and a frog tattoo hatches a plan to expose the conman who married his sister, no idea is too crazy. And even though Monica might be the worst rancher’s wife he’s ever seen, he can’t stop thinking about the wedding night they never had.

What was supposed to be a temporary marriage for revenge is starting to feel a little too real…

Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Google |
 
 

Meet the Author:

USA Today bestselling author HEIDI BETTS is the daughter of an Arabian sheik and a Las Vegas showgirl, as well as the heiress to the Chocolate is Better Than Sex Candy Company fortune. Because of this, she eats chocolate in all its many delicious forms for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and in-between snacks . . . without ever gaining an ounce on her perfect five-foot-nine, size zero figure.
Each and every one of her breathtaking, award-winning novels has been adapted to film and gone on to become a phenomenal box office smash, featuring such mega-stars as Hugh Jackman and Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise and Sandra Bullock, and Harrison Ford and Scarlett Johansson.
Heidi readily admits that she is only able to write such passionate love stories because of her real-life happily-ever-after romance with the amazing (and British! *swoon*) actor Tom Hiddleston, who makes every day a fairy tale. When she’s not writing or basking in the romantic attentions of her very own leading man, Heidi can often be found wandering the set of her charming husband’s latest film or taking tea with the Queen.

OR, if you prefer Reality…

An avid romance reader since junior high, USA Today bestselling author HEIDI BETTS knew very early on that she wanted to write these wonderful stories of love and adventure. It wasn’t until her freshman year of college, however, when she spent the entire night reading a romance novel instead of studying for finals, that she decided to take the road less traveled and follow her dream.
Soon after joining Romance Writers of America, Heidi’s writing began to garner attention, including placing in the esteemed Golden Heart competition three years in a row. The recipient of numerous awards and stellar reviews, Heidi’s books combine believable characters with compelling plotlines, and are consistently described as “delightful,” “sizzling,” and “wonderfully witty.”
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | GoodReads |

 

 

 

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71 Responses to “Spotlight & Giveaway: One Wedding, Two Brides by Heidi Betts”

  1. Karina Angeles

    I’d go bar crap crazy. I’d probably call my girlfriends and head to Vegas to feel better.

  3. Audrey Stewart

    I would be embarrassed for sure. I would just go away for awhile and lick my wounds.

    • Heidi Betts

      TBH, this would probably be me, too. I’d like to think I’d plot revenge, but in reality I’d probably crawl off to sublimate my feelings with chocolate & ice cream. 😛

    • heidibetts

      Yes! I’m thinking Lady Antebellum’s “Bartender” here. 😉 With luck, you’d have lots of fabulous friends who would take you out, talk smack about the guy, & help get your mind off of him. <3

    • Heidi Betts

      Oh, ditto. I’d be horrified & humiliated. But what about after? How would you bounce back?
      I’d *like* to pull a Monica, but in reality, would probably sublimate my sorry with chocolate & ice cream. 😛

  7. laurieg72

    If I was left at the alter initially I would be embarrassed and hurt. He obviously knew me quite well why would he hurt me this way? Privately i would be swearing and wishing him dire consequences. Over time I would think I had a lucky escape.

  11. Pamela Conway

    I’d probably go bat shit crazy at first then think about it & say it was for the best. There’s always a reason for everything!

    • Heidi Betts

      Very true! I’m not sure it would *feel* that way in the beginning, but down the road, it would definitely be a good thing not to be with someone who doesn’t really want to be with YOU. 😛

  12. Kim

    I’m thinking I would go extremely crazy. I would definitely have to get away.

  14. Amy R

    I’d probably show calm and resolved on the outside but be breaking down on the inside.

  15. Colleen C.

    I would be embarrassed… probably apologize for wasting everyone’s time, but why waste the food… probably hold a grudge and never speak to him again…

    • Heidi Betts

      Oh, yes–exactly! The Reception must go on! Food & drinks for all! 😉
      I’m guessing the runaway groom would have a rough time of it, too…chances are guests would think *he* was the jerk, not the jilted bride.

  18. Courtney Kinder

    I would probably start crying and run to my parents. Thanks for sharing!

  20. Glenda M

    I’m practical enough that I wouldn’t want to waste the food and decor for the reception AND to find a way to make him pay out the wazoo for everything.

    • Heidi Betts

      Awww. I probably would, too, but truthfully, who should be ashamed in that situation? I say the guy who did the jilting, not the jilted. 😛

  22. HiDee Ekstrom

    You know those times when you are so upset, so livid , that you are icy calm? I think that’s how I would be, after a few tears of course. But then he’d better watch out!!! Thanks for sharing Heidi. This sounds so fun! Can’t wait to read it!

    • Heidi Betts

      I so wish I could post GIFs…I’ve wanted to share about a zillion in responses to these fabulous comments! But even without them, you are definitely Monica material, Hidee! 😀 I totally hope you enjoy ONE WEDDING, TWO BRIDES…& maybe find even more of yourself in the heroine’s character. 😉

  23. Ellen C.

    I’d probably be embarrassed and angry—would probably cry some angry tears. Then I would let my family and friends cheer me up at the afterparty. (reception) Wouldn’t bother to plot revenge, I’d just like to move on.

    • Heidi Betts

      Oh, yeah–angry tears. I never cry so hard as when I’m absolutely furious. Even without revenge, I hope you’d at least stick the guy with some wedding bills or keep all the gifts for yourself. 😉

    • Heidi Betts

      And everyone would totally understand, I think. I certainly would, even if I thought you didn’t have anything to run away from. 🙁

  26. Jana Leah

    I’d be upset, but I’m pretty calm-natured & would just want to go home ASAP & be left alone.

    • Heidi Betts

      How long do you think you’d hide inside before showing your face in public again?
      Even though–as I said earlier–YOU would have nothing to be ashamed about; that falls totally on the jilter. 😛

  27. Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz

    I would probably go get drunk and I would go back and forth between being angry and hurt to have been left at the altar.
    Thanks for the chance!

    • Heidi Betts

      lol You & me & Monica…we’d go get drunk together. Then…maybe a little revenge-plotting? Even if we didn’t follow thru. 😉

  29. Lilah Chavez

    I would definitely go bat sh*t cray Cray! Keying his car, bleaching and probably and having a bonfire of his clothes. But if his stuff is really worth anything I would sell it first.

    • Heidi Betts

      ROTF Love it! I can hear Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” in my head! 😀
      In addition to ONE WEDDING, TWO BRIDES, you might enjoy KNOCK ME FOR A LOOP. Let’s just say you & that heroine, Grace, have a lot in common, too! 😉 <3

  30. bunnyclem

    I would be hurt and embarrassed initially. Then I would probably hunt him down and go crazy!

    • Heidi Betts

      😉 You & Monica both. There’s a great line from the original Overboard movie I love: “I will hire a band of mercenaries to hunt you down & cut off the protruding parts of your body.” LMAO Sounds about right to me. 😛

  31. flchen1

    I imagine I’d be pretty embarrassed initially, but I think it’d be worth some careful plotting to extract the right revenge later. After all, isn’t revenge best served cold? 😉 Great to take a peek at this, Heidi!!

  32. Amy Donahue

    Cry hysterically, then eat the entire wedding cake whilst plotting revenge lol

  34. Delia Chavez

    I think I would be devastated and a little bit crazy who am I kidding Id be bat crap crazy lol

    • Heidi Betts

      *nodding emphatically* I’d *want* to be all cool, calm, & collected, holding my head high…but chances are I’d go bat crap crazy, too! 😛