Interview with Elle Valor, Author of Fake Wife for the Billionaire Rancher

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Fake Wife for the Billionaire Rancher?

I was born in a city and gravitated toward ranch life. I am happiest on a horse, and the ranch appeals to me greatly on a personal level. I have had horses most of my life, and they are terribly expensive to care for and house, so yeah, I conjured up a billionaire of my own. I also have a sweet tooth, so the MFC being a baker just ‘sweetened the deal’. High stakes, power-brokers, finding real love in a lie…why not?

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Fake Wife for the Billionaire Rancher, what would they be?

For GRAY: “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton: Smooth, rugged, unexpectedly soulful—just like Gray when he finally lets Wren past his defenses. It’s got that slow-burning, emotionally layered vibe that fits a man who’d marry for duty… then fall for real. For WREN: the sharp-tongued, off-limits best friend’s sister who’s suddenly his fake wife: “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood — with a wink. Wren is fierce, independent, and not here to play second fiddle to anyone. While she’s not out to destroy his truck (yet), this song screams sass, strength, and a don’t-mess-with-me attitude. For their relationship (the fake marriage, real tension, and wild chemistry): “Shameless”* by Garth Brooks, because pretending not to fall in love was never really an option—and now neither one of them is backing down.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Not necessarily. I devour books like snacks—romance, fantasy, sci-fi, children’s stories, graphic novels, historical romance, paranormal, mystery, and anything with dragons, wolves, witches, or a plot twist that makes me yell “No way!” at 2 a.m. My TBR is a wild mix, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love writing steamy contemporary romance (bossy alpha males, billionaires, and damaged men—yes please), but I’ve got plans to dip my toes into a few other genres too. Why limit yourself when the bookshelf is this big?

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Oh, just a casual mountain of mayhem, magic, and muscle-bound heroes. I’m talking Nalini Singh (because duh), Donna Grant, Kelley Armstrong, Christine Feehan, Patricia Briggs, and Susan Stoker—my ride-or-dies for danger and desire. Then there’s Diana Gabaldon for my time-travel fix, Lynsay Sands for fanged fun, J.A. Huss when I want things dark and dirty, and Faith Hunter for gritty urban fantasy. Add Riley Edwards, Tara Stone, and Ruby Dixon (yes, I do like my aliens spicy), plus classics like Anne Rice, Christopher Paolini, and Jilly Cooper for that nostalgic (and hilarious) punch. Basically, if there’s a badass heroine, an alpha with emotional baggage, or a world I can disappear into? It’s on my pile.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Call me a romantic, but I ‘loved’ writing the wedding scene in Chapter 16. It’s the moment everything shifts—from “strictly business” to “oh no, feelings”. There’s tension crackling under the surface, secrets circling like vultures, and a villain trying to stir the pot just as the couple starts to realize the fake part of their marriage is hanging on by a thread. And let’s not forget that unexpectedly heated “you may now kiss the bride” moment. Whew. Sparks flew, the crowd pretended not to notice (they totally did), and even the characters didn’t know what hit them.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I wouldn’t call myself quirky (okay, maybe just a *little*), but my German Shepherd might disagree. He’s my unofficial writing assistant positioned faithfully at (or on) my feet for the first few hours of the day, listening patiently to my muttering and plot ramblings. Then, without fail, he demands a “creative break” by nosing my arm until I take him outside to play. According to him, no chapter is complete without a fetch session. Honestly? He’s not wrong. Lucky mugs? Nope. Cats on keyboards? Not in this house. But one bossy dog and a strong cup of tea? That’s my secret sauce.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

As a cancer survivor, I’ve learned to live each day like it could be my last—LOVE big, LAUGH loud, and find magic in the everyday. Whether it’s marveling at a butterfly, dragonfly, or the world’s most determined stick insect… feeding native birds, wandering the farm, kissing a soft horse nose, or getting lost in the world of a new book—if it brings me joy, I lean all the way in. Writing is part of that joy. It’s how I celebrate life, every single day.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want readers to remember the shift, the tension—that heart-thudding moment when something real sneaks in where it was never supposed to exist. Love has a way of surprising us, blindsiding us, and blooming in the most unexpected places… like a staged “you may now kiss the bride” turning into something neither of them can shake.

Elle Valor is the author of the new book Fake Wife for the Billionaire Rancher

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