Friday, January 9, 2015

Switching Leads and Mia Downing


I was a little nervous to write for the Campus Cravings: Higher Learning series when invited. Though I love writing male/male romance, my characters are usually older than college age, and I had no clue what college aspect to add to make my story unique. I had considered writing about since my son plays. Then I realized I could write about horses and a college riding team, both aspects I know a lot about!

I used to be a riding instructor, and I’ve actually taught for a few colleges. I called a friend who is now an assistant coach for a college in Virginia, and we hashed out scenarios, conflicts. She gave me the inside scoop on the inner workings and drama of a riding team. I remember being so excited when I got off the phone with her, knowing I had the makings for a really special novella.

The last portions of conflict for my heroes were personal and didn’t need much research. Finn is a former alcoholic, and I have a lot of those in my family. John’s mother’s Alzheimer’s was painfully easy to include since I have experience with that disease as well.

I hope blending aspects I know from life and work experience help to make Switching Leads a realistic and satisfying read you’ll enjoy. Thanks for stopping by.

Blurb:

Coach John Graham needs a new assistant coach for Cathia U's equestrian team. The last person he expects to get the job walks into the barn and stops his heart. How is he supposed to focus on the team when his ex-lover—sexy horse trainer Finn Parker—wants back into his life?

Finn has had a hell of a bad year, ending with a horrible riding accident. Instead of looking forward to winter in sunny Florida training horses for the show circuit, he ends up going home to snowy Cathia, NY to heal, physically and emotionally. He'll endure John's frosty reception if it means he'll get what he wants most. He’s used to taking the reins…for love will he switch leads?
 
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Bio:
Mia Downing started creating heroes at age four, but her heroes back then rode ponies to rescue those in need and only kissed her on the cheek. Today, Mia's heroes still rescue those in need, but the price of their toys and the expertise of their seduction leads to a whole lot more. When Mia isn't busy creating new stories for her readers she fills in as an underwear model for a prestigious lingerie company. She also lives in New England with her family, and enjoys horses and knitting.