Get ready for a wild ride with author Liara Tamani’s latest release. I recently spoke with her about This Ain’t Our First Rodeo.
Tell me about your latest book.
At its heart, This Ain’t Our First Rodeo is story about second chances—not just with love, but with family, friends, ourselves, and the stories we’ve been taught to identify with.
It’s set against the backdrop of RodeoHouston and follows Josie, a horse-loving restaurant heiress and Shawn, a famous bull rider from Acres Homes. They meet when they’re fifteen and sixteen, and sparks fly but misunderstandings pull them apart.
Three years later, they get a second chance at love at a pivotal time when they’re both trying to decide if they’re going to live the lives planned for them or go after the lives of their dreams. Josie’s mom is trying to sell her beloved grandparents’ ranch, and Shawn’s dad, who is also his manager, has gotten him mixed up with a shady deal.
With huge challenges in their way, these strong characters fight against odds and remind us that if we’re brave enough to hold on to love, anything is possible.
Black cowboys and cowgirls like Josie and Shawn have always been a part of America’s story—a history largely untold until recently, and I’m grateful I had the chance to sprinkle some of that in and help reintroduce true representations of cowboys in this country. Stories are powerful. They live inside us and tell us what’s possible.
How long did you take to write it?
Depends on what we’re counting as part of the process.:) Titles are always the first thing that come to me when writing books. THIS AIN’T OUR FIRST RODEO came to me back in 2021. And I knew a dual-POV, second chance romance would be a great play on the title. I stashed the idea away for book four (I was already deep into book three).
But when it was time to start writing book four in 2023, I couldn’t hear or see the protagonists. I must’ve come up with a hundred ideas about who they could be, but none of them felt true.
Running out of time to deliver my fourth YA book to my publisher, I abandoned the idea and tried to write others. But I failed and kept failing until I was reunited with my original idea at where else but RodeoHouston.
I started the night with dinner at a new upscale steakhouse. I’d never been to a place so fancy at the rodeo, and it inspired the idea of the female protagonist’s parents being high-end restauranteurs. After dinner, I watched some bull riding action. And there he was, her romantic interest—a famous bull rider.
The rest of night continued to inspire me, including the performance by 50 Cent (who makes a cameo in my novel) and the carnival we went to afterward. I rode the Ferris wheel, which is both my and Shawn’s favorite ride.
After I could see it clearly, I finished the book in nine months. I’m usually a slow writer, so that was the fastest I’ve ever written a book. It was extremely stressful, but I wanted to make the 2026 publication deadline. I did, and here we are!
Which character could you relate to the most and why?
I’d have to say Josie. But only because I could never, in a million years, imagine myself climbing onto the back of a bull. I love Shawn, though. If I could mold him out of clay and save him for my daughter to date in a couple years, I would. Lol
Really, I can relate to both characters in the way they are struggling with family expectations. Shawn and Josie both face the choice of going along with the lives planned for them by their parents or going after the lives of their dreams.
I was faced with a similar choice growing up¾work for my father’s law firm or follow my heart. I got all the way to Harvard Law School and then dropped out. People thought I was crazy, and I was terrified of the unknown, but I’m so glad my younger self had the courage to find her own way. The path to becoming an author wasn’t straightforward or easy, but it taught me the importance of listening to my heart, a theme in all four of my novels for young people.
How are you celebrating the book’s release?
I’ll start the week with being a guest on the local morning show, Great Day Houston.
The next couple days, I’ll visit high schools in Acres Homes, a historically African American neighborhood in Houston with rich a cowboy culture and history. Shawn is from Acres Homes in This Ain’t Our First Rodeo, so the students will have a special connection to the book.
On Friday, February 6 at 7 pm, I’ll have a western themed launch party at Kindred Stories complete with line dancing and rodeo snacks. Western wear will be [highly] encouraged, and I’ll be in conversation with Wale Okerayi.
On Saturday, February 7, at 11 am, I’ll be at the Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood branch of Houston Public Library. It’s the same library I went to growing up, so I’m looking forward to returning.
And the night of Saturday, February 7 at 7:30 pm, I’ll be at Blush Bookstore in Dallas in conversation with Alexa Martin.
The week will be a jam packed, but it should be fun!
Who is your author best friend (either in your head or real life)?
Zadie Smith, who I had the opportunity to meet at an intimate gathering a couple years ago. She was just as cool as I thought she’d be.
What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Jump right into the scene. Don’t need an expository introduction.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I recently finished the audio book of Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola, and it was excellent. The novel itself is really good, but the narration, I think, makes it even better.
I’ve also been listening to The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. During promotional phases, I have to be really intentional about staying present so that my nervous system stays in check.
What books are you excited to read?
Kin by Tayari Jones and Kiss Marry Kill by Yemi Dipeolu
What’s next for you?
I have two ideas for book five that would take me in very different directions. I’m waiting until after the promotional season for This Ain’t Our First Rodeo calms a bit before I decide which way to go. I’ve learned that patience is key. The answers will come when you are open and paying attention. Give creativity the time it needs.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of This Ain’t Our First Rodeo by Liara Tamani.
To learn more about Liara Tamani, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Instagram: instagram.com/liaratamani
Website: www.liaratamani.com