About the Book

Book: Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 3) Author: Karen Baney Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance Release date: March 26, 2024 She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love? Sports fanatic Derin Vargas steps down from his position as foreman of Vargas Ranch to run the family’s new sports complex. Uncomfortable in his new role, he compensates by being bossy. When a famous pro-tennis player stays at the resort to rehab after surgery, Derin points out her shortcomings no one else will. Pro-tennis player Madison Moore heads to a remote sports complex on Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort to finish rehabbing after shoulder surgery. As she fears the death of her pro career, the bossy cowboy manager gets under her skin. Will Derin soften his rough edges to win over the beautiful tennis player? Will Madison listen to the hard truth about her future while opening her heart to love? Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry. Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

101 Questions In Falling for a Bossy Cowboy, Derin Vargas desperately wants to change how he sees and interacts with women. One of his buddies recommended an app for 101 Questions to Ask on a Date. When I incorporated this into the novel, the interactions between Madison and Derin became so much easier (and fun!) to write. I searched for new questions and added them with answers from the character’s point of view. But where did this idea come from? A marriage seminar. I highly recommend using 101 questions for any couple, married or just dating. It’s a great way to get to know the person you’re with, without all the awkward “what do we talk about?”. I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Falling for a Bossy Cowboy from Madison Moore’s point of view. ______ Madison watched as Derin pulled his phone from his shirt pocket, swiping and tapping a few times. Then he looked up, expression serious, and asked the most bizarre question. “If you were stranded on a deserted island and could choose any three things to have with you, what would you pick and why?” “What?” Her eyes rounded. “You heard the question, Madi.” She chewed slowly, mulling it over. “That’s hard.” “Right?” He chuckled. “What would you pick?” “No dodging it. I’ll answer after you do.” “Ugh. Let’s assume I have food and water.” Derin narrowed his eyes and conceded. “My Bible.” He rolled his eyes. “What? It’s a legit answer.” “So says every church goer. Next?” “You wouldn’t?” He wagged a finger at her as he stabbed a chunk of roast before popping it in his mouth. “Chocolate.” Derin tossed his head back and chuckled loudly. So much so that a few heads turned their direction. “Women.” “And a Costco-sized bag of ground coffee.” “How are you making the coffee?” “I don’t know. I’m sure I could figure it out.” Madison pushed her empty plate away. “Your turn.” “First choice? You.” Heat flamed her cheeks. What was he saying? “Second choice would be Djano.” Madison quirked an eyebrow. “My horse. And that’s only because you put the stipulation that food and water aren’t an issue. So, he won’t starve.” She snorted. “Me and your horse.” “Yup. And my hat. That’s it.” “Me, your horse, and your hat.” She shook her head. “Why me?” Derin’s eyes glinted with mirth. “You’re insanely beautiful. Smart. Very entertaining.” Her cheeks warmed at the compliment. “We would fight like cats and dogs.” He shook his head. “I’m not buying that.” “I can’t stand you.” “Not buying that either.” Derin grinned. “Here’s another one. Have you ever won an award for a sport?” Madison snatched up the phone. “Huh. That’s really the question. What is this?” “One hundred and one questions to ask on a date.” “Is this a date?” “Welcome to the party, Madi.” Heat warmed her face. Derin was one of a kind. She shook her head and handed him his phone.

Interview with the Author

1) Which character did you connect to best in this book? I connected most to Madison’s character because she was forced to deal with tough questions about her identity. She had always been a pro tennis player, so she wrestled with separating her career which was ending from who she was as a person. It’s a great reminder for me that my value is not in what I do, but Who I belong to.

2) What inspired this book? The idea for Derin’s dramatic transformation in Falling for a Bossy Cowboy was inspired by the stories from Celebrate Recovery at my church. Periodically our church shares video testimonies from church members during our services (we’re a huge church of 6,000+ families per weekend). Several men have shared how much Celebrate Recovery has helped them overcome deep rooted sin in their lives. Their stories inspired me to tackle a tough topic in Derin’s life in a loving and encouraging way.

3) What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse? The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. –Psalm 34:18 I think I’ve cited this verse in the beginning of more than one of my novels. It’s dear to me because I’ve walked through some spirit-crushing things in my life. It reminds me that God never leaves me no matter how much heartache I’m feeling.

4) What is your vacation spot? I love sitting outside with a lovely view of mountains or the desert or a lake. When we visited Kalispell, Montana, a few years ago, we found a lakeside café and spent hours watching the boats on the lake while we leisurely ate a sandwich. My hubby and I often find vacation spots where we can sit on a porch and read or stare at nature.

5) If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why? Funny! This is so similar to one of the 101 dating questions I used in Falling for a Bossy Cowboy. Madison chose her Bible, and frankly, so would I. I would want its comfort during an isolated time. And I would want to be reminded of God’s provision and love.