Reader Interview: Bette

I’m thrilled to have Bette Read, yes that’s her real name, here with me for an interview. Bette knew me before I was published and has read every one of my books! She’s from Arizona and could be my older sister💗 

What some people don’t know, Bette volunteers for  Ruby Ranch and she raved about it so much it became my inspiration for Rainbow Acres Refuge in Fletcher’s Flame (Last Chance #3). Welcome Bette!

Lexi: How did you get into reading romance novels?        

Bette: I read “Teen Romance” magazines as a youngster and it progressed from there.

Lexi: Tell me about your pets.      

Bette: We currently have 2 dogs, Nikki (poodle) and Oliver (dachshund), both rescue dogs who are not pets but furry children. Nikki is a diva and self-proclaimed therapy dog for hubby during cancer treatments a few years ago. She became a total “daddy’s girl” as a result. Oliver is a sweet, sensitive kiddo, in and out of shelters until he wound up with us.  We have no fosters at the moment, but give me a week or two…

Lexi: LOL, I was going to say, only two? What are you good at?   

Bette: Talking to people, which is why my rescue director likes me to do home visits before we place dogs in adoptive homes.

Lexi: I just love that you do that! If you could name a character in a romance novel, what would you name him or her? Why?

Bette: Jeff Clarkson. My son is Jeff and I love the name. He and hubby share a middle name – Clark, hence Clarkson.

Lexi: That’s cool. What makes you happy?  

Bette: Besides the obvious – family, friends and my dogs – I am happy in the sunshine or the rain, on the beach or by a river; or when I get a call from a friend I haven’t seen in a while.

Lexi: Tell me about your husband (as if I didn’t already know ;-). 

Bette: Hubby is a passionate, quiet, very observant individual. He doesn’t say a lot, but takes everything in. He’s very tolerant of me with my passion for helping the dogs.

Lexi: Not to mention he loves Karaoke! What’s your favorite

dessert?

Bette: Key Lime Pie!!!

Lexi: Yum. What types of romances do you like to read?

Bette: ALL as long as there is a coherent storyline.

Lexi: What are you proud of? 

Bette: My son and my volunteer work with dog rescue.

Lexi: What’s your average day look like? 

Bette: Busy with dogs, home, rescue and my part-time job.

Lexi: What’s your perfect day look like?

Bette: Sitting on a beach with my hubby and dogs near me and a Pina Colada or a Pepsi close at hand and of course my Kindle fully charged!

Lexi: LOL Speaking of Kindles, how many hours a week do you spend reading romance?  

Bette: 10 - 12

Lexi: Wow! I’m jealous! Who made the biggest impact on your life? 

Bette: My Grandma Margie

Lexi: If you could go on an all expense paid vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?

Bette: Australia, I’ve never been there.

Lexi: I’m with you on that! How many books do have in your “To Be Read” pile (means you’ve bought them but still need to read)?

Bette: About 500. Thank goodness they are on my Kindle.

Lexi: LOL If you could give someone what they wanted most, what and who would it be?

Bette: I would give my son permanent custody of his son.

Lexi: Aww, me too. How many romance authors are on your auto-buy list?  

Bette: None, I like to select different books from different authors and try new ones as they come along.

Lexi: What kind of car do you drive? If you had your choice, would it be that one or a different one?

Bette: 2010 Jeep Liberty. I like my Jeep, but might go for a new one.

Lexi: How many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren all total do you have?

Bette: 1 son, 1 grandson.

Lexi: What do you do for fun (besides reading romance novels)?

Bette: Walk my dogs, pet-sit my friend’s tiny Chihuahua, visit with friends, play cards, board games and BINGO!

Lexi: Oh, I hope you win sometimes. What did you think you’d be when you grew up?

Bette: Veterinarian or work with animals, or an architect.

Lexi: You definitely kept that animal dream alive. What don’t most people on social media not know about you?  

Bette: My sister and I have an uncanny sense of each other.

Lexi: What’s your favorite holiday? Why?

Bette: Independence Day, It’s my country’s and my birthday!

Lexi: You’re a real American girl! What color eyes do you have?

Bette: Brown

Lexi: How old do you think is perfect for a hero?

Bette: Any age

Lexi: Do you collect anything? If so, what?

Bette: Coffee mugs from different locales I have visited.

Lexi: What educational background do you have?

Bette: Some college.

Lexi: Do you dream at night? Do you remember your dreams?

Bette: Sometimes, sometimes.

Lexi: : What are some of your favorite movies? 

Bette: : Sleepless in Seattle, Overboard, Fried Green Tomatoes and Hope Floats to name a few.

Lexi: Okay, time for the quickies!

Lexi: Dark-haired hero or light-haired? Bette: light

Lexi: Vanilla or chocolate? Bette: vanilla

Lexi: Hot and spicy or sweet and chaste? Bette: Hot and spicy

Lexi: Spicy food or not spicy? Bette: spicy

Lexi: Beard or no beard? Bette: beard

Lexi: Hot weather or cold? Bette: hot

Lexi: Chest hair or no chest hair? Bette: no

Lexi: Morning person or night person? Bette: night

Lexi: Rich hero or blue-collar hero? Bette: blue

Lexi: Coffee or tea? Bette: coffee

Lexi: Beach or mountains? Bette: beach

Lexi: Cats or dogs?  Bette: dogs

Lexi: Hero with long hair or short?  Bette: long

Lexi: Rent or own? Bette: own

Lexi: Working or retired? Bette: semi

Lexi: Blonde heroine or brunette? Bette: brunette

Lexi: City or town? Bette: town

Lexi: Cook or eat out? Bette: cook

Lexi: Tattoos or no tattoos?  Bette: no

Lexi: Pajamas or naked? Bette: pajamas

Lexi: It has been such a pleasure to touch base again with you, Bette. Next time I’m in Arizona, we have to get together again 😊