Wednesday Western- Honky Tonk Month

During June on Wednesdays I'll be showcasing a story by Wild Rose Press authors that was written as part of a contemporary western series. Here is what they were given to come up with a story.

Honky Tonk Hearts

Lonely hearts seem to gravitate to the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk. A few miles outside Amarillo off historical Route 66, the large wood-paneled structure boasts a large neon star with a single flashing steer riding away from it. Owner and bartender, Gus Rankin, has seen his share of the wandering souls cross his bar and dance floor over the years—he’d even like to think he helped a few find true love along the way.

www.thewildrosepress.com

Thank you Paty Jager for inviting me to share a little about Honky Tonk Man and why I wrote the story and for letting me visit on Western Wednesday!  Yee haw!

When Editor, Stacy Holmes, emailed and invited me to write for the series I was in the middle of another project and didn’t become intrigued until I took the time to consider the possibilities.  In the end, the image she painted of Gus Rankin, the owner of the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk won me over.  Every once in a while Gus sneaks back to his messy office, takes a break in the rickety, torn leather chair and props his feet on his desk as he smiles at the bulletin board filled with pictures from couples that have tossed aside their lonesome hearts to take a chance on love.

Blurb: He has rules for a reason.

Pool shooting, guitar playing, honky tonk singer, Jace Monroe, has a knack for hooking up with the wrong kind of women, rich ones who don't take him or his music seriously. So when he meets a down-to-earth, honey-haired waitress at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk, he thinks his luck has finally changed.

Rules have never been her strong suit.

The last place Sunny Brooks wants to be is on her daddy's thriving ranch, but her mother needs her. To escape the constant concern for her mother's health and stay out of her father's overbearing presence, she spends most nights out at the Lonesome Steer Honky Tonk and eventually in the arms of Jace.

But when misconceptions come to light, the sweet music they make together might be silenced forever unless she can show her honky tonk man that some rules are meant to be broken.

  

Excerpt:

Finally, he cleared his throat and glanced down at his boots. “I don’t get involved with rich girls.”

“Pardon?” She blinked up, not quite believing what she thought she heard.

Swallowing hard, he looked away again, and then back, but at a spot somewhere over her shoulder. “I don’t go out with rich girls,” he repeated.

What was that supposed to mean?

“You have a lot of rules. No money, no rides, no rich girls.”

“I have my reasons.” His eyes met hers, deadpan.

“Are you serious?” She blinked again in disbelief.

No reply. Just a blank stare and slight twitch in his jaw.

She clutched her knees and leaned forward. “Well good for you.” Worn down from fretting over her mother and tired of his rigid rules, she stood, brushed the dust from the back of her jeans, and stormed off.

Why bother straightening him out about the state of her wealth—or rather lack of it—when he hadn’t even thought to ask first or consider her feelings before dumping her.

What surprised her when she climbed back into her truck and tore up the roadway was how much it hurt. She hadn’t known him long enough to feel this much pain. An invisible fist grabbed her heart and tightened until she had to gasp for a breath.

Tears stung her eyes. The bastard had broken her heart.

Visit my website for other books by Sylvie Kaye

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