Velocity Tour and Guest Post

Blurb:

Paolo D'Allesandro has been content living in his older brother Marco's shadow since they both left Italy for the United States. But he's getting a little older now and realizing he doesn't want the same thing as his brother--to be a professional bull rider. He's never made his own decisions, though, and finds himself having a crisis of confidence.

Savannah Harrington is a grad student working on a thesis. Her topic is adrenaline junkies, and she's joined the bull riders tour for a few weeks to study the men and their motivation behind willingly taking part in a dangerous sport. She meets Paolo on her first day and both feel an immediate pull. Savannah recognizes quickly that Paolo isn't happy, though, and tries to draw him out even as the two of them draw closer physically. She can't stay away from the sexy Italian, but knows the relationship can't last. After all, she's going back to school and he's staying on the bull riding tour to be with his brother while he figures out his next step.

Both Paolo and Savannah wish their circumstances were different, but Paolo doesn't think he has anything to offer Savannah, and Savannah doesn't want to pressure Paolo into another life decision that will make someone else happy, but not fulfill him. As her time to go back to school draws closer, they need to figure out how to get their highest score yet--in the game of love.

Five Things You Might Not Know About Bull Riding

by Cassandra Carr

Velocity is the fourth book in my Buckin' Bull Riders series, and in the two years or so that I've been writing these books I've learned a lot about the sport of bull riding and the men who challenge the bulls to an eight-second showdown. I thought I'd share some of the interesting facts with you.

1. Bull riders are thought to be more successful when they're short. I suppose that's due to a lower center of gravity, but don't quote me on that. ;-)

2. Bull riders come from all over the world. I've had people snicker when I mention my Italian bull riders (like Paolo in Velocity and his brother Marco in Momentum), but many different countries are represented on the bull riding circuit.

3. The bulls weigh, on average, between 1500 and 2000 pounds.

4. It's a misconception that the bulls that are ridden are treated badly. The bulls make a lot of money (if they're good bulls) for their owners -- they get prize money from the tour too, and many of them live a pretty cushy life. The standards for treatment were put in place by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1947.

5. Riders are awarded points for every score they earn during the season as well as bonus points for placing in the go rounds and averages during events. At the World Finals, the bonus points are increased, giving riders a greater chance to move up the standings with a good showing in Las Vegas.

I hope you've learned some things you didn't know and enjoy the Buckin' Bull Riders series if you decide to give it a try!