Please help me welcome my prolific and sweet author friend, Kara O’Neal…
Hello, Kara…please tell us a little about yourself.
Hello! My name is Kara O’Neal, and I am from a small town northeast of Houston. And I still live there! I’ve been married for almost twenty-four years. My husband and I have three children – two are in college and one is a freshman in high school. I asked them to stop growing up, but they didn’t listen. (Kids, right?) We also have a sheltie named Stormy, and she is the princess of the house!
Where did you get the idea for Katie’s Gamble?
In my Texas Brides series, I met Rowdy Denton. He was a secondary character in another book. A villain, truthfully. But as I wrote him, I felt like he had a good heart that was covered up by bad circumstances. I couldn’t get his backstory out of my head. I had to see if he could be redeemed or saved.
Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and do you like it?
I am the Special Education Campus Specialist for a middle school. I like this job most of the time. It is very demanding, but for good reasons. I adore the people I work with. I can’t do life without them. And let me tell you, they are heroes. What they do every day is inspiring.
Do you collect anything?
Yes! I collect castles, crosses, Christmas ornaments, and things with the number seven on them.
What do you want readers to come away with after they read Katie’s Gamble?
I hope that they will feel happy that someone like Rowdy Denton can be saved. I also hope that they will find Katie’s dedication and loyalty inspiring.
What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?
Because their chemistry is fantastic, I would hope that Jennifer Morrison and Colin O’Donoghue would take the roles!
What is your favorite quote?
Fear not.
Your most prized material possession? Why?
I have the Texas flag that was flying over the capital of Texas the day I graduated from high school. It’s gorgeous. It’s home.
Your favorite…
Movie – Pride and Prejudice
Music – Texas Country/Red Dirt
Place you’ve visited – Marfa, Texas and Vatican City
Place you’d like to visit – Ireland!
TV show from childhood – Golden Girls
TV show from adulthood – The Closer
Food – Brisket, Cheeseburgers, Tacos, Tamales, Blue Bell Ice Cream
Sports team – Houston Astros
Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television? Games!
She’s trying to keep her family together and will do whatever’s necessary. He’s a gambler and gunslinger who will do anything to protect her.
Excerpt:
“Miss McCord?” the gambler asked, his voice hard and gruff.
“Y-Yes. I’m Katie McCord.”
He jerked his head at the doors. “You need to go.”
She gulped and curled her hands into fists. “I need to speak with my brother.”
The fellow shook his head. “No. And this is not a place for a lady like you. You need to go before it’s too late.”
Was he concerned about her safety? If so, then the best thing would be for him to let her see Johnny. “I would like nothing more than to leave, sir, but I can’t until I talk with my brother.”
A muscle twitched in his jaw. “That’s not gonna happen. Best to give up.”
The thought of what she might lose if she left here without Johnny’s half of the confectionery drew her up. She lifted her chin. “I can’t afford to. Do you know where he is?”
He didn’t reply, only watched her with a hard glint.
“Please, take me to him. I can’t stress the importance enough.”
That muscle jumped again. “I’m sure you have your reasons, but McCord won’t see you.”
His flat statement punched her in the stomach, and she felt panic rising within her. “He can’t ignore me. Please.”
Something flashed behind the rigid light in his eyes, but it disappeared so quickly that she had no time to determine what it was. “Miss McCord, I suggest you leave before the evening crowd arrives. Find yourself a safer hotel or return to your home.”
Anger flared. “My home is in Texas. It was once Johnny’s, and he has been neglectful. I’m here to discuss personal matters with him so that I can continue providing for myself and our siblings.”
The gambler, and probably gunslinger, rolled his tongue against the inside of his cheek as he studied her in silence.
After a few, quiet moments, during which she refused to fidget, he finally said, “He won’t listen, won’t care. It’s best that you just go and find an alternate way to take care of your kin.” His gaze swept over her once more. “Get married. That ought to do it.”
She let out a frustrated exhale. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, and I demand that you take me to my brother or send him out here to me.”
One corner of his mouth quirked. “Finding your backbone, huh?”
She set her jaw, sensing if she said more, she’d only end up giving him a laugh.
He shook his head. “The McCord temper might run in your veins, but this is no place for a woman like you. Heed me and go home.” With that, he turned around and strode toward the hall on the opposite side of the lobby.
Buy link: https://amzn.to/3txYACc
Bio:
Award-winning author, Kara O’Neal is a teacher and lives in Texas with her husband and three children She write stories with strong family ties, lots of romance and guaranteed happy endings! Please visit her at www.karaoneal.com.
Website – http://www.karaoneal.com
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Blog — http://www.karaoneal.com/blog
Blog – The Story Continues — http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues
Author Alicia Dean 