The Cowboy’s Downfall is Book 6 in the Endeavour Ranch of Grand, Montana series.
Nix McCray has already given up bull riding when The Cowboy’s Downfall begins, but he’s still recognized as an expert, and the Endeavour Ranch is thrilled to have him as part of their team.
Nix isn’t as thrilled when he’s asked to take on a group of kids for a bull riding clinic the ranch is running, but he’s not about to say no. In fact, not being able to say no is what leads to his downfall.
Here are ten questions and answers that should give readers a good idea of the type of man Nix McCray is before the story begins:
Q: What was the first moment you knew you wanted to ride bulls for a living? It was never one moment. I got on my first bull as a dare when I was thirteen. To this day, I can’t resist a dare. I lasted about half a second, but I earned twenty dollars. After that, my dad told me if I was going to be stupid I might as well be stupid right, and I started taking lessons.
Q: Describe your relationship with fear. How do you confront it every time you climb into the chute? I don’t confront it—I set it aside. The fear is there, but you learn to work with the boost of energy it gives you. Besides, I didn’t start out riding the best bulls in the business, I worked my way up. That first bull I rode?I was damned scared, and he barely broke into a trot before I fell off.
Q: What’s the story behind your favorite pair of boots or hat? I outgrew my favorite boots a long time ago. They were a Christmas gift from my parents when I was sixteen. Custom-made. They believed in me, and those boots were a constant reminder. I wish I’d kept them.
Q: How does it feel when the crowd cheers your name after a successful ride? Honestly? My adrenaline’s so high at that point, all I can hear is the rush of blood in my ears. My attention is one hundred percent on getting off that bull and out of the barrelmen’s way so they can do their job. A good crowd adds to the buzz, but the buzz is already there.
Q: Has love ever given you more butterflies than an eight-second ride? I met my ex-wife when I was fifteen years old. A fifteen-year-old boy isn’t thinking about butterflies, he’s all in for the ride—and that particular ride left more bumps and bruises than Man Hater. If I had a do-over, I’d take Man Hater.
Q: What’s the hardest lesson the rodeo has ever taught you—about bulls, about people, or about yourself? Bulls and people will turn on you. You can only rely on yourself, so make sure you’re up to the job.
Q: When you’re alone on the open road between events, what runs through your mind? Not a whole lot. I’m a “one day at a time” kind of guy. I don’t believe in planning too far ahead, but I don’t dwell on the past, either. When I’m on the road I enjoy the scenery. I like peace and quiet. I’ll take the back road every chance I get.
Q: If you could trade places with anyone for a day—inside or outside the arena—who would it be and why? Tough question. No one, I think. I doubt if anyone has the perfect life, and as I said, I like peace and quiet. I’ve learned to be okay with my own company.
Q: How do you balance the dangers of your profession with the hope of building a future with someone special? I mentioned the ex-wife, right? I left all the planning for the future to her. She handled the money and then took it all with her when she left. That was all the special I need. I plan to find a quiet ranch somewhere and spend the rest of my days as a cowboy. A bunk, a horse, and three meals a day, and I’m happy.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone who loves a bull rider, what would it be? Bull riders are about as steady as bulls. It’s easy for a bull rider to buy into his fame and forget about fortune. Be sure you can trust him around women and money. My ex-wife didn’t trust me even a little. Turns out that’s because she was the one who couldn’t be trusted, so I guess my advice goes both ways.
And that sums up Nix McCray. Once bitten, twice shy. He’s easygoing, content, and most definitely not looking for love.
Just wait until he meets Shauna Walsh! The Cowboy’s Downfall is a foregone conclusion once she enters the story.
About the Author.
USA Today Bestselling Author Paula Altenburg lives in rural Nova Scotia, Canada with her husband and two sons. A former aviation and aerospace professional, Paula now writes contemporary romance and fantasy with romantic elements. You can connect with her at www.paulaaltenburg.com.
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