Words of Wisdom....from The Scarf Princess: November 2018

Friday, November 30, 2018

Book Release Blitz for Eggnog Makes Her Easy by Erin Nicholas (REVIEW)

Just in time for the holidays comes this sensual and charming novella focusing on a wife keeping the home fires burning, and having an unforgettable visit with Santa, while awaiting the return of her soldier husband. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Eggnog Makes Her Easy by Erin Nicholas, along with my impressions of this quick read, then add this next installment in the Boys of the Big Easy series to your bookshelf too!

Lindsey is expecting silent nights this holiday. Just her and her boys while her husband serves overseas. But her blue Christmas turns merry when things start rockin’ under the mistletoe thanks to a surprise gift from her naughty Santa.

Which is fine. The nice list is overrated anyway.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | iBOOKS | BN | KOBO

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

With the Christmas holiday fast approaching, readers will find this a decadently delightful novella full of heart and soul that provides a few hours of escape from the hustle and bustle. With the topic of military sacrifices fueling this tale, it makes it a timely and heart-wrenching topic that reminds us of what to be truly grateful for. It’s a tale that pulls at the heartstrings and puts readers on a roller coaster ride of emotions that will leave you satisfied by The End.

Matt and Lindsey met at Christmastime ten years ago and have made a life for themselves despite Matt’s many absences due to his devotion to the military. From the very beginning they knew the hardships the separations would cause and still stood solidly together in their love for each other and their love for the country. Theirs is an inspirational connection as they take pride in keeping the country safe, take pride in making it a better place through his work and her teaching, and their heartfelt discussions about why they live the way they do warmed my heart. Those rare times when they’re together they live life to the fullest, they embrace every word and deed to pull out when they need to be uplifted, and their unwavering love is the epitome of romance. Along with these heavy discussions came moments of lightheartedness that utterly charmed me. This was a playful couple with enjoyable scenes of naughty talk teeming with sensuality that scorched up the pages and left me with a blush a time or two and made for a nice balance between matters of the heart and being duty bound.

In every way this couple showed how much in love they are and each reunion just solidifies their deep connection in a story that was a perfect addition to the Boys of the Big Easy series. Readers were introduced to Matt, who’s the epitome of hero, a soldier who’s sexy in body as well as in mind and soul. His strong-willed wife Lindsey is just as heroic in sacrificing time with her husband in support of the country. They’re a loving couple, wholeheartedly supportive of each other, and their marriage is the picture-perfect kind that belongs on the front of a Christmas card. Surrounding them are the other members of the support group that has brought together other couples in this series. They’re an group that was fun with witty and flirty banter that showed them to be an unconventional family of their own making. Their scenes also hint at more romance to come between two friends who clearly should be more and it has me jumping up and down in anticipation. On a whole readers looking for a feel good holiday romance will get all that and more courtesy of this early Christmas gift from Ms. Nicholas!

My rating for this is an A-

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

***READ THE FIRST INSTALLMENT IN THE BOYS OF THE BIG EASY SERIES, EASY GOING, FOR FREE AT: AMAZON | iBOOKS | BN | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY***

AUTHOR INFO:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.

Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Book Cover Reveal for The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend’s Sister by Meghan Quinn

A young man tired of hiding his feelings for his best friend finds a slow-burn connection between himself and the sister of his best friend. It’s a combustible connection between this couple, one that keeps readers on edge from start to finish, so get ready to add The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend’s Sister by Meghan Quinn to your bookshelf when it releases on January 3rd!

How do you date your best friend's sister? Easy.

Step one: Pretend you want her to set you up with someone else. That will bring the two of you closer.

Step two: Go on date with lots of random women, proceed to get stupid drunk and talk about your best friend's sister, thus gaining the courage to finally make a move.

Step three: Randomly show up at her apartment and confess your love. Women love that, right?

It all seemed so simple. A fool-proof three step process that will guarantee the love of you life to fall madly in love with you.

At least--that's what I thought was going to happen. But my attempts to win over Julia Westin backfired in more ways than I can count. The thing about Julia? She's smart--really smart--and her wicked gaze cuts through all the charm I've tried slinging her way. She's not interested in games, my gifts, or my stories. She might want me too; but she's not giving in that easy...

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON (US) | AMAZON (UK) | AMAZON (CA) | AMAZON (AU)

AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Book Spotlight on Snap Decision by Jami Davenport (REVIEW)

A man who enjoys the perks of being a star quarterback finds himself frustrated by his life and its lack of meaning in this tale full of heartbreak and loss that has him waging a sensual battle of wills against his new neighbor. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Snap Decision by Jami Davenport, along with my impressions of this book, then add this third installment in the Seattle Steelheads series to your bookshelf too!

Bad boy quarterback Tyler Harris plays ball for a living and breaks hearts for a hobby.

With two championships in as many years, Tyler is the best quarterback in the league. Gorgeous and rich, he's at the top of his game. Women love him. Men want to be him. Only Tyler's not feeling the love. In fact, he's not feeling anything at all. Licking his wounds after a scandal and a breakup with his long-time girlfriend, he retreats to a run-down mansion on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. Once there, Tyler is blindsided by the sassy redhead next door. He knows that he's met his match and possibly his soulmate. There's one problem. She despises him.

Lavender Mead has a good reason to dislike jocks, namely an absentee father who deserted the family to coach college football. Maybe that explains her penchant for bad boys -- especially those who play ball. Her new neighbor seems just that type. Yet Tyler's not the shallow superstar she expected, and she's inexplicably drawn to football's bad boy. The two are so hot together, they're combustible.

As the clock ticks down, can they commit to each other forever? Or will they both fall short of the goal at the last minute?

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | iBOOKS | BN | KOBO

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Readers will find their heartstrings being plucked throughout this tale of death and starting over. For a couple whose first meeting is combustible, things take a turn into playful banter and sexual tension that kept their interactions entertaining in a story that kept me fully immersed in the outcome. As they grow closer together though, the heroine’s fears put up a roadblock to their HEA where the hero will have to throw one last Hail Mary pass to win her heart.

Tyler Harris is a star quarterback who’s always enjoyed the benefits of fame...at least he used to. Lately he’s just feeling lost and alone, frustrated by all the meaninglessness surrounding him. With the deaths of two people close to him, he’s further spiraled into darkness and an act that lands him on the cover of magazines and as the top story on tv. While he finds refuge in the home of his recently deceased uncle, he also finds a young woman just as disillusioned with the world as he is. He also expects her to immediately fall for him, but she catches him completely off-guard by showing her anger in a combustible first meeting that takes an erotically-charged turn the more they see of each other. Tyler’s a bit of a bad boy at the start of this story. He’s a bit arrogant, but flirty too. The longer he’s in town the more he’s won over and the more determined he becomes to make his uncle’s dreams come true. With each turn of the page we get deeper insight into Tyler’s heart. We see a good man, who does good deeds, who just wants to be happy and fulfilled. Being with Lavender gives him someone of substance, a person who sees past his playboy facade once she takes her own blinders off, in a sweet and sensual romance.

Lavender Mead’s had a difficult life because of the temptations of football that had her father leave to coach elsewhere and took away a man who professed his own love to her too. She wants nothing to do with football players and her negative preconceived notions of them have her immediately on guard when she sees Tyler has become her new neighbor. While she finds herself attracted to his sexy body, she’s at war with his arrogance and her belief that he didn’t care for his uncle (the man she came to see as a father-figure) and it has her waiting for him to fail in the bequest his uncle left behind. Each interaction between her and Tyler is crackling. In scenes that felt more like foreplay, their interactions jumped off the pages. Through it all, Lavender gave as good as she got. She wanted to believe the best of Tyler but fought often with herself courtesy of her past overshadowing the promise of a HEA. Though her back and forth frustrated me at times I still enjoyed their interactions and erotically-charged encounters sprinkled throughout the story.

This was an entertaining story on a whole with a nice balance of heartfelt words and deeds as well as playfulness. These two apparent enemies quickly became more in scenes that put a smile on my face and had me rooting them on every step of the way. Surrounding this likable couple was a small cast of secondary characters, and a feisty cat, that pulled me into the small town atmosphere and helped craft this couple’s HEA in their own subtle ways. Though there’s nothing ground breaking about this tale, it’s still an entertaining and well-crafted story that reached a very HEA.

My rating for this a B+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today Bestselling Author Jami Davenport writes sexy contemporary and sports romances, including her two new indie endeavors: the Game On in Seattle Series and the Madrona Island Series. Jami’s new releases consistently rank in the top fifty on the sports romance and sports genre lists on Amazon, and she has hit the Amazon top hundred authors list in both contemporary romance and genre fiction multiple times. Jami ranked Number Seven on Kobo’s Top Ten Most Completed Authors, an honor bestowed on the year’s “most engaging” authors based on an average page completion rate by their readers.

Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her Green Beret-turned-plumber husband, a Newfoundland cross with a tennis ball fetish, a prince disguised as an orange tabby cat, and an opinionated Hanoverian mare.

Jami works in IT for her day job and is a former high school business teacher. She’s a lifetime Seahawks and Mariners fan and is waiting for the day professional hockey comes to Seattle. An avid boater, Jami has spent countless hours in the San Juan Islands, a common setting in her books. In her opinion, it’s the most beautiful place on earth.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Book Tour for The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (REVIEW)

It’s an exhilarating beginning between a young woman longing for adventure and a man forced into living a lie in support of his country in this historical romance that reunites readers with a family that has a permanent place on bookshelves. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, along with my impressions of this third installment in the Rokesbys series, then add it to your own bookshelf. You can learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour too!

She was in the wrong place...

Fiercely independent and adventurous, Poppy Bridgerton will only wed a suitor whose keen intellect and interests match her own. Sadly, none of the fools from her London season qualify. While visiting a friend on the Dorset coast, Poppy is pleasantly surprised to discover a smugglers’ hideaway tucked inside a cave. But her delight turns to dismay when two pirates kidnap her and take her aboard a ship, leaving her bound and gagged on the captain’s bed...

He found her at the wrong time...

Known to society as a rascal and reckless privateer, Captain Andrew James Rokesby actually transports essential goods and documents for the British government. Setting sail on a time-sensitive voyage to Portugal, he’s stunned to find a woman waiting for him in his cabin. Surely, his imagination is getting the better of him. But no, she is very real—and his duty to the Crown means he's stuck with her.

Can two wrongs make the most perfect right?

When Andrew learns that she is a Bridgerton, he knows he will likely have to wed her to avert a scandal—though Poppy has no idea that he is the son of an earl and neighbor to her aristocratic cousins in Kent. On the high seas, their war of words soon gives way to an intoxicating passion. But when Andrew’s secret is revealed, will his declaration of love be enough to capture her heart…?

EXCERPT:

He motioned with his arm, urging her a few more steps forward. “Careful,” he murmured.

Poppy looked to her toes. The deck came to an abrupt halt in front of her, its elevation dropping by several feet.

The captain hopped down. “The beakhead, my lady,” he said with a gallant wave to the triangular deck that formed the pointy front of the Infinity. He reached up and placed his hands on her hips to help her down.

But when she was steady, he didn’t let go.

“This is as far forward as one can stand on deck,” he told her.

She pointed to a spot a few feet ahead. “What about—“

“As one can stand safely on deck,” he amended. He adjusted their position so that he was standing behind her. “Now close your eyes.”

“But then I can’t see the stars.”

“You can open them later.”

She tilted her head to the left, right, and back again, as if to say, Oh, very well, but she closed her eyes.

“Now tilt your head up. Not all the way, just a bit.”

She did, and maybe it was that motion, or maybe it was just because she’d closed her eyes, but she felt instantly off-balance, as if something far greater than the ocean had stolen her equilibrium. The captain’s hands tightened on her hips. “What do you feel?” he asked, his lips coming close to her ear.

“The wind.”

“What else?” She swallowed. Licked her lips.

“The salt in the air.”

“What else?”

“The motion, the speed.”

He moved his mouth closer. “What else?”

And then she said the one thing that had been true from the beginning.

“You.”

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | AVON BOOKS | BN | GOOGLE PLAY | iBOOKS

FIND THE ENTIRE BRIDGERTON SERIES AT AMAZON here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

It’s an exhilarating read found amongst the pages of this historical romance that sweeps readers into a warm embrace with its sweet and sensual connection as two people longing for more find it in each other’s arms. Just as they catch a glimpse of HEA though, the danger of his job pulls them apart and leaves readers on edge as the story races to its cheer-worthy conclusion.

Poppy Bridgerton isn’t your average heroine. From the moment she was born she longed to be more, longed to learn more and soak up every answer to every question. Being a woman makes it hard to gain that freedom she’s longed for though, keeps her from all the answers to love and life, and in this story it has her tied up and kidnapped by a pirate living a life she’s only read about. While many heroines might be reduced to tears, Poppy soaks up every facet of the journey and shows herself to be strong-willed. She wanted to live a life of excitement...and oh my goodness is this journey full of living! She discovers more about the world in that small cabin she’s being held in, learns more about matters of the heart from a pirate who’s not all that he seems, and it made for an empowering and endearing journey. Poppy’s a breath of fresh air, always thinking and quick to take a chance when given one. Every new experience brought out joy in her and put a smile on my face. Her attraction to Andrew came upon her slowly, brought out a playful side at first before the sexual tension kicked in in a relationship that captivated me yet frustrated me too for how long they danced around their attraction before giving in. On a whole Poppy became an unforgettable heroine, protective of others and willing to fight for her HEA in a story that had me cheering her on every step of the way.

Andrew James has always felt restless. Even as a boy he longed for something beyond what could be found within his own backyard. He went from being a soldier traveling the world to wage war, to recovering from an injury that changed the course of his life, to becoming an even more vital piece of the war through his ability to charm. It’s a talent that has him living a life of lies, lies towards both himself and his family. What was once exciting now feels like a burden and it’s keeping him from the HEA he sees the more time he spends with Poppy. He sees her as nothing but trouble the moment they meet, but as the days pass he finds himself opening up to her like no one else. She challenges him, she gives as good as she gets in their verbal battle that felt more like foreplay. Being around her reminded him of what it means to be a gentleman, both the good where he does whatever he needs to to protect her and the bad where he’s left fighting an attraction he’d much rather give in to. This fight within himself made him immensely likable and easy to relate to though. On a whole he was a drool-worthy hero who embraced the pirate facade but remained a good man which made his interactions with Poppy all the more heartwarming.

From the first page to the last this was an exhilarating thrill ride, the journey of a lifetime for two souls longing for more. It’s a journey full of heart and soul, a slow-burn romance that kept me wholeheartedly invested because of its witty banter and crackling connection between an immensely appealing main couple. Romance with a bit of suspense is perfectly balanced in a story that’s a delightful addition to the Bridgerton family saga, who make a rowdy appearance towards the end, to wrap this up with a bow and has me counting down the days until we revisit this likable family.

My rating for this is a B+

*I got this book from Edelweiss for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

JULIA QUINN started writing her first book one month after finishing college and has been tapping away at her keyboard ever since. The New York Times bestselling author of more than two dozen novels for Avon Books, she is a graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges and is one of only sixteen authors ever to be inducted in the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Book Spotlight on 4th and Girl by Max Monroe.....

A sexy and suave football player finds himself thrown off his game by a spunky young woman in this fun and flirty romance. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of 4th and Girl by Max Monroe, then add this fourth installment in the Mavericks Tackle Love series to your bookshelf too!

I’m Leo Landry, one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the nation, and the New York Mavericks’ first round draft pick.

If James Bond spent his days running drills and his nights shutting out quarterbacks, he’d dream about being me. But professional football is on a whole other level from college, and as the new guy, I’ve got everything to prove.

No problem.

All I’ve got to do is focus, right?

Too bad life’s got other plans.

Blond hair, long lashes, and criminal blue eyes, there’s a pint-sized bombshell that I can’t stop thinking about.

I don’t even know her name, but she’s completely screwing up my game plan.

It’s too late to turn back now though. I have my eye on the prize, and I won’t settle for anything less.

4th down and only one goal in my sights—this pretty little mystery girl.

Good thing I’m at my best when the pressure’s on.

EXCERPT:

In my opinion, in football, there isn’t a more badass position than shutdown cornerback.

What makes my position so badass? Well, I have to be agile and quick and have a natural instinct for the game. My footwork has to be on point, and my speed has to be unmatched. I have to cover, read, adjust, and break on the ball. This position, my position, is one of the biggest anchors of pass defense plays.

What does all of that football lingo mean?

It means I’m vital.

It means I’m the guy who will stop a quarterback’s touchdown pass.

I’m the man who won’t let the best wide receivers in the league get their greedy hands on the ball.

Last year, my college record was nearly unheard of. I held opposing QBs to a 47.9 rating when they tried to throw the ball to the man I was covering.

Basically, I was the badass in one of the toughest positions in the league.

And now, as one of the newest first-round draft picks for the New York Mavericks, I’m the guy with everything to prove.

I can either be the big hero, or I can be the guy who loses the fucking game.

My reputation is on the line, my nearly flawless career in college taunting me in the background to live up to it, and if there’s one thing I need to do, it’s focus. But life’s got other plans.

I should have my mind on my money—and my money on my mind—but the only thing I can seem to think of these days is the mystery girl I met at one of the team’s very first group activities.

Blond hair.

Long lashes.

Criminally blue eyes.

She’s petite and awkward, and she’s completely fucking up the plan.

But it’s too late to second-guess.

And it’s sure as fuck too late to go back.

Once my mind is fixated on something, there’s no stopping me.

I have my eye on the bombshell prize, and I won’t settle for anything less than victory.

Good thing I’m at my best when the pressure’s on.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | iBOOKS | BN | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY

AUTHOR INFO:

A secret duo of romance authors team up under the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling pseudonym Max Monroe to bring you sexy, laugh-out-loud reads.
Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of more than ten contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.

Book Blast for Roosters: Innocent and Sweet by Megan Slayer (GIVEAWAY)

A woman wanting to claim her ideal man finds herself using any means necessary to get his attention, even though any connection between them is frowned upon, since he’s her bodyguard. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Roosters: Innocent and Sweet by Megan Slayer, then discover even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour. In honor of this first installment in the Roosters series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a handmade necklace and signed swag too!

Anissa Dunn wants one man -- Kameron. He’s got looks, brains and a boatload of attitude… and all that muscle. A girl can only take so much, and he's her heart's desire. She’s not afraid to give as good as she gets and she wants him to be her teacher in all things carnal.

There's only one catch -- he's her bodyguard and the rules state she can't date the staff.

But rules are meant to be broken…

EXCERPT:

"I have the package," Kam said. "Preparing to leave.”

She frowned. The package. She didn't have the honor of being referred to by her name. Gaining his attention wasn't going to be easy. "I'm ready.”

Kam nodded. "This way, Ms. Dunn.”

"Anissa." He'd used her last name. Dang it. She'd pleaded with him so many times to call her by her first name. Ms. Dunn was her mother. She was just Anissa.

"Ms. Dunn." Kam escorted her to the front porch, then down the steps. He opened the passenger door of the limo. "After you.”

"Thanks." She couldn't leave the house without her trusty bodyguard, Kam. She settled on the seat and folded her hands on her lap. Kam would do anything to protect her, and she trusted him, but she was twenty-one and her father needed to put some faith in her. He'd sheltered her from everything. She didn't resent him for trying -- when she turned twenty-five, she'd come into a hefty sum of cash via the trust her mother had left her, but still. She'd gone to an all-girls college, a private all-girls high school and never spent more than a few hours on her own. She crossed her legs, and her skirt rode high on her leg. Did Kam notice? Did he care?

She swept her gaze over him as he sat beside her. Strong and silent. He wore his clothes like a second skin, could eviscerate anyone who tried to get too close, but Kam said so little. Half the time she had no idea if he listened to her. Knowing him, he tuned her out.

"Kam?" She shifted in her seat to face him. Her skirt rode higher. He didn't pay her any attention, which rankled her. "Kameron.”

"Ms. Dunn." He seemed to stare straight ahead.

She whipped out her phone. She couldn't go through with the date. Not now. She sent a text to the driver, requesting he stay in the driveway. She'd sent the itinerary to the security team but saw no point in leaving the house. Kam wasn't paying attention to her -- not in the way she wanted. He didn't seem to care.

She sighed. According to the magazines she'd bought, her college roommate and the dirty movies she'd watched in the middle of the night, she had to be aggressive and demand what she wanted. Sure... she could be aggressive. She could demand his attention. But she wasn't sure how.

Anissa switched seats to face Kam. The car rolled to a stop, most likely in front of the house. She parted her legs and leaned back. "Kam.”

If he looked at her, she couldn't tell.

"Ms. Dunn?" Kam tensed, and the muscle in his jaw twitched. "Are you okay?”

Nope. He hadn't noticed her lousy attempts to entice him.

"I'm fine," she mumbled. What a liar..."I'd like to talk to you."

BUY LINKS: CHANGELING PRESS | AMAZON

AUTHOR INFO:

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Monday, November 26, 2018

Christmas With Sourcebooks (GIVEAWAY)

Trying to figure out the perfect gift for that one hard to buy for person? Then don't despair as the wonderful folks at Sourcebooks have created a gift giving guide to help you put a smile on someone else’s face. Keep reading to find that perfect book, then make one more mark on your good/naughty list with these steamy tales!

COWBOY CHRISTMAS JUBILEE

Gift this to: The friend who loves Christmas more than any other holiday, and fans of small town cowboy romance.

Suggested gift pairing: Anything Christmas related– bonus points if there are cowboy boots involved.