Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Today's Special - - B.J. Daniels


I'm delighted to welcome B.J. Daniels to The Romance Dish today.  I've been reading B.J.'s books for a number of years and had the pleasure of meeting her in person at last summer's RWA conference.  

The USA Today bestselling author lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, and three Springer Spaniels, Spot, Jem and Ace. When she isn’t writing, she quilts, snowboards, camps, boats and plays tennis.  To contact her, write: B.J. Daniels, P.O. Box 1173, Malta, MT 59538 or email her at bjdaniels@mtintouch.net Check out her webpage and blog at www.bjdaniels.com

Take it away, B.J.!




Imagine that you’ve weathered a lot of losses in your life. Now all you have left is a struggling sheep ranch and an old sheepherder who is more like your grandfather than hired help.
            Then the worst happens. The young man you sent to help the sheepherder is a suspect for murder, your faithful sheepherder is missing and Deputy Sheriff Bentley Jamison is at your door.
That is what happens to Madison “Maddie” Conner in my new book FORSAKEN. Maddie is an amazing woman who I fell in love with the first time I met her. She’s strong and determined and capable. She’s been running the sheep ranch by herself for years with only the help of Branch Murdock, her sheepherder.
But now she must pull on her boots and ride back into the unforgiving Beartooth mountains to find
out what has happened. Worse, Deputy Jamison refuses to let her go alone because he suspects what they will find when they reach the sheep camp is a murder scene.
What made this book fun for me to write was that Jamison is a greenhorn from back East. He doesn’t know anything about the wilds of Montana let alone sheep. But he does know about murder since his former job was as a homicide detective in New York.
Trapped together in a late summer storm high in the mountains miles from civilization with a killer, the two have to work together to survive.
I love writing about strong women but I have to tell you, Maddie is my favorite. She has accepted her life, one that only includes hard work. But the greenhorn deputy reminds her that she is a woman and still desirable.
This book idea came from meeting one of the real-life sheepherders who used to take a flock of two thousand sheep back into the Beartooth wilderness, a trek of over 150 miles, and three long summer months without seeing another soul other than his “tender,” the young man who took care of the camp.
I spent some time recently in that area. There are no roads, no houses, nothing but high mountains, rocky cliffs and beautiful wild meadows. There is some cell phone coverage if you are on one of the highest peaks, but even that is sketchy. The only way to get back into this country is on foot or a horse.
Maddie is as beautiful and as wild as this country she loves. But she has no idea what is waiting for her back in the mountains.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did writing it. Maddie Conner could be my favorite character of all time. A character like that needed a special man. Deputy Sheriff Bentley Jamison is that man.
B.J. Daniels
www.bjdaniels.com

Thanks, BJ!  I'm looking forward to reading Maddie and Bentley's story!  Is there anything you'd like to ask our readers today?

Question: Maddie and Jamison are older than a lot of "romance" novels. Do you like reading about characters who find love after having had other lovers/marriages?

Okay, readers.  Let's see some comments!  BJ is giving away three signed copies of Redemption, the second book in her Beartooth, Montana series from HQN.  (open internationally)



66 comments:

  1. B. J., So glad to "meet" you on the Dish. I have enjoyed your books for years and never been disappointed. In July, I went on a BJ Daniels binge and read about 10 of your books that have been sitting on my TBR mountain. We visited Montana in early July which made the books so much better. I had grabbed one of the older ones before the trip and it involved a visit to the Lewis and Clark Caverns. We were planning to visit there, but I didn't get to read it first. I'm actually glad I waited. Your descriptions were so spot on it was like being there with them since I was familiar with the place. Mention of the Prison Museum and the Sacajawea Hotel (we stayed there) were nice surprises. You have always given good descriptions of your books' settings. I now appreciate just how accurate they are. We loved Montana. Glacier National Park was spectacular.
    There are 3 Harlequin Intrigue authors that I try not to miss and you are one of them. Your stories have interesting characters which are well developed. You have given people a great look at the areas where your stories are set. I know the stories will be interesting and often keep me guessing until the end. I don't have any more of your books on my shelves left to read. I checked your site and see I have a lot to catch up on.

    I need get out of fan girl mode. I do like reading about older characters. There are many of us out there, and life doesn't end when you pass 30 or so (although my daughter is currently upset with her upcoming 40th birthday and is sure her life will be over.). The maturity, life experiences, and where they are in their life all make for rich stories. So yes, bring on the older heroes and heroines and let them have their day.

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    1. Pat, what a fun trip! And how cool that you had the book to read after visiting the locations. I love when that happens!

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    2. Hi LibraryPat, thank you for your wonderful comment. So glad you enjoy my books and had such a wonderful trip to Montana!!
      Harlequin had a hard time finding a model though of the "older" variety. I couldn't believe they couldn't find a handsome buff 45 year-old!! :) Glad you like the older characters. I do too!!

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    3. I was sorting through boxes and found 3 or 4 of your newer books. Can't wait to get to them.
      Harlequin needs to update their "stable" of models. Older is becoming more frequent in many media projects.

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  2. My Grandfather found companionship and a second marriage at 84. He robbed the cradle with a woman of 65. Life goes on & why should you go it alone.

    It's rather refreshing to read about characters who come with more baggage than is the norm.

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    1. Good for your grandfather! ♥ has no age limit!

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    2. Mary, I totally agree about characters with some baggage being more interesting.
      How cool for your grandfather, the cradle robber!! I love it. 84 is nothing if you are still going strong.

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  3. I'm not picky about the age of my characters! Love can be found at any age! Thanks or stopping by B.J., I love your books!

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    1. Kim, thanks so much!! Glad you like the books. And glad you stopped by!!

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  4. I like to read all different types of heroes and heroines. There aren't that many stories with older characters so it is a nice change when I read one.

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    1. Hi Maureen,
      I wish there were more books with older characters. If you read Forsaken, I have two sets of older couples who are trying to find love. Why not. :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. BJ is a new author for me. I look forward to reading her books. I love books set in Montana.

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    1. You have some great reading ahead! :)

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    2. Hi Kmannrn
      I've lived in Montana since I was five so writing about the state comes naturally. I also love mysteries so I combined the two. Thanks PJ!

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  6. Good Morning, B.J.! Thanks for being our special guest today. Being of "a certain age" myself, I do enjoy heroes and heroines who with a bit of life experience. Bring 'em on! :)

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    1. Hi PJ,
      Thank you so much for having me. Sorry it took me a while to get here today. The bad thing about living in Montana is that you have a lot of company. :)
      Yes, being a certain age, I know that a person can find love at any age. I like writing about them. :)

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  7. I definitely cast my vote for older-than-usual heroes and heroines. And I must add that of all the bookmarks and similar swag PJ sent me from Atlanta, the B. J. Daniels cowboy was the coolest--or should that be hottest? ;)

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    1. LOL Janga, glad you a bookmark. Way to go PJ scoring some. The cowboy is kinda cute huh.
      Thanks for your vote on older heroes and heroines! And thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Those were great bookmarks, weren't they?

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  8. I like it! It is more meaningful to me than the falling in love at first sight as teenagers.

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    1. Hi May,
      There are plenty of books around about teenagers falling in love huh. Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. May, I think it tends to be deeper and more rich because we've reach an age where we know how precious it is.

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  9. I love heroes and heroines of all ages! Recently, I read a story of a couple, of between the ages of 45-50, and who fell in love for a second time! I enjoy reading so much, the age is less important, as long as they are romantic. I am new to your books and would love to get the opportunity to read and review it! thank you BJ & PJ
    nlaverdure88@videotron.ca

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    1. Nicole, if you decide to read FORSAKEN and review it, let me know (bjdaniels@mtintouch.net). I might have a bookmark for you. :)

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    2. Hi Nicole! Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you enjoy B.J.'s books!

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  10. Yes! I think there's more chance of a relationship succeeding when the people know themselves and are ready to allow someone else into their lives.

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    1. Di, I love your comment. Knowing yourself is so important. Plus who knows what they want when they are 18? I didn't. :) Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. I agree, Di. Like BJ said, knowing yourself is so very important.

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  11. This is a great perspective which interests me very much. More mature and characters with depth. Your books sound very special and captivating. Best wishes.

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    1. Petite, thank you! I like writing about more real life situations. Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Petite, I hope you'll give BJ's books a try!

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  12. Maturity and experience with life's trials and tribulations as well as understanding what life is about is important. So I do think individuals are more interesting too when they have a new relationship and are very fortunate as well.

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    1. Hi Traveler,
      I think people who have lived a little are more interesting. Also ones who have hardships. Glad you agree. Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. I agree, traveler. I feel our life experiences give us depth and do make us more interesting.

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  13. older characters are fine with me.

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    1. jcp, I have a friend who said she couldn't imagine reading about people falling in love at 50. She was 50! :) when I pointed this out, she laughed and said, "Exactly#
      Thanks for stopping by

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  14. I like the older than typical couple falling in love. It's so much more relatable to me. My dad is 91 and just married a woman 62. They are happy and she takes good care of him.
    You are a new-to-me author and I look forward to reading your stories.
    LauraR lranda11@yahoo.com

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    1. Good for your dad and his new wife! There really is no age limit on falling in love.

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    2. Hi LauraR,
      How cool about your dad. I used to play tennis with older people. They would beat me so bad... :)
      Thanks for stopping by

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  15. I like reading about older couples I guess because I am getting older and we don't stay young forever. So to seem like really life older works for me.

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    1. I think a lot of us feel that way, Quilt Lady. I enjoy a well-written story regardless of age but I do like reading about older couples to whom I can relate..

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    2. Hi Quilt Lady, I think we've visited before. Thanks for your vote -- and thanks for stopping by

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  16. Most definitely like reading about it. I like variety but beyond that, I'm older so it's nice to have a change of pace from those young virgins lol.

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    1. LOL Catslady,
      Yes those darn young virgins! I know what you mean. Thanks for stopping by

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  17. Congrats to BJ on the new release! now that I'm in a my 30's I definitely enjoy heroes/heroines that are older and even after other relationships. I can relate to that better :)

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    1. It's nice to read about a couple whose experiences mirror our own, isn't it?

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    2. Hi Erin,
      Thank you. When I was in my 30s I don't remember any books where the heroines were lover 25. :) I hope things are changing since people seem to be getting married later in life. Thanks for stopping by

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  18. Yes, BJ, I like "older" romances and second chance romances, as I'm one of the older crowd myself and had a second chance marriage which has "stuck." I tend not to read YA stories at all because I haven't anything in common with them. Those are stories that my daughter reads for heaven's sake! :-) Thanks for asking. I'm so glad I "met" you today on this blog. In addition to enjoying "mature" romance stories, I am addicted to western romances. I'm going shopping on Amazon when I hang up my comment to see what I can get of yours. jdh2690@gmail.com

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    1. Congratulations on your second chance marriage! I also enjoy westerns. They've never gone out of style for me. Hope you enjoy BJ's books!

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    2. Hi Janice,
      I've got one of those second chance marriages myself and it too has stuck! :) It was great meeting you. Hope you enjoy one of my books! Be sure and let me know: bjdaniels@mtintouch.net

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  19. I like older, second chance romances. It's probably because I'm also aging and there are always a lot of youthful characters available. It makes me appreciate books that have older ones in them.

    Marcy Shuler
    bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I think many of us enjoy reading about characters who have walked similar paths to our own.

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    2. Hi Marcy,
      A lot of us are getting older. :) I think a little maturity can make for interesting characters. In my Beartooth, Montana series I have the sheriff and the general store owner. They were in love when they were young, but she married someone else, thinking she was making the more mature choice. She of course regretted it. She broke his heart. I love seeing them try to get back together. They are my favorite characters in the series and they are both about 60.

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  20. PJ, What a fun site you have!! Thank you so much for inviting me. Again I apologize for not getting here sooner.

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    1. Thanks, BJ! Don't worry about not being here sooner. We have readers from across the world so regardless of when you come by, it's usually morning somewhere! *grin*

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    2. LOL PJ, I love your attitude. It is still light here in Montana and only 6:30 p.m. But I think it is about to snow. :(

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  21. PJ, let me know who wins the copies of REDEMPTION. I'm excited to give them away.

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  22. I love your book BJ, I love Montana too -- during the warmer months that is. I dont do snow. :-)

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    1. Hi Glenda!! Thank you so much. I don't do snow either, but unfortunately it does Montana. :) We haven't had any yet. Fingers crossed.
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  23. Congrats BJ on your new release. So happy I found you here on The Romance Dish and your books. I love reading about older characters finding love again. It makes more interesting and emotional, but that's just me. Maybe because I'm getting much older too. :)
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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    1. Hi Carol, I think age is all in our heads, mostly. :) But I do like writing about characters who have lived some life!
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  24. Yes, I do enjoy reading about characters that find love after losing a beloved spouse of significant other. I recently lost my own husband to cancer, and miss him terribly.

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    1. So sorry Cathy P about your husband. I can't imagine what you must be going through.

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