Category: Western Romance

Contemporary Western Romance – Cowboy to her Rescue

Contemporary Western Romance – Cowboy to her Rescue

 

Contemporary Western Romance, Small Town Romance

 

Date Published: May 2021

Publisher: Bell Bridge Books

Once betrayed, twice shy…

When a young soldier home on leave rescued Sydney Bishop from attackers, he also stole her heart. But, when he returned to active duty without saying goodbye, she was shattered.

Now years later, fate–and a little matchmaking–has brought them together again.

As a way of overcoming his own wartime nightmares, Ryland built a ranching retreat in Montana. His goal? To give traumatized military families a place to heal. But the ranch desperately needs funding. Luckily, help comes through, in the form of Sydney’s mother, who’s kept tabs on her daughter’s first love over the years. Her foundation is more than willing to give him the cash he needs, but there’s a catch.

And if Sydney finds out, she might never think of Ryland as her hero again. . .

 

Excerpt

 

He slammed the truck to a stop. The seat belt, tight against his chest, jerked him out of the fantasy. His heart pounded, exactly as it had when’d felt her close tight around him when he’d eased inside her for the first time.

Swearing, he whipped his head around, saw her studying him. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes wide, not with surprise, but with wonder. Exactly as they had been that single night.

God help him, he wanted her with a hunger he hadn’t felt in years.

They stared at one another, neither wanting to make the first move, both afraid of the consequences if they reached out and acted on the desire that stretched between them. How was it possible to be so powerful after all the years? After the way they’d parted?

I think you missed the turn-off,” she finally whispered.

They sat, figuratively and literally, at a crossroads. If they went straight ahead, if they acted on this need pulsing between them, would it be a short trip filled with speed and rush? Or, if they turned right, would it prove to be a detour that eventually led to a roadblock?

Sorry. I was daydreaming there for a moment,” he finally said, not attempting to keep the direction of his thoughts out of his voice or gaze.

Were you?” she asked with a boldness that surprised him.

I’m not sure it’s wise for us to go down that road again, Sydney.”

I suppose you’re right,” she said, turning away from him. But not before he heard her soft whisper, “And that’s a damn shame.”

About the Author

An author of passionate, emotional romances with heart, Pam loves crafting stories about independent women and men who discover the thrill and joy of falling in love. After years of moving as both an Army brat and corporate wife, Pam and her craftsman husband settled in Atlanta, close to family and friends. When not writing, Pam enjoys quilting, planting beautiful flowers, home improvement projects and spending time with her wonderful family.

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Contemporary Western Romance – Breaking Wicked

Contemporary Western Romance – Breaking Wicked

 

Crooked Brook, Book 2

Contemporary Western Romance

Published: May 2021

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

THE MIDDLE

Katherine Grant spectacularly trashed her relationship with her high school sweetheart, and cut herself off from the only people who ever loved and respected her. She’s in trouble, and if she doesn’t get help she fears her already messed-up life will become a disaster.

Three years ago, Jacob “Trix” Doyle started a new life at Crooked Brook Ranch, and it was the best decision he ever made. Every day he works hard, and enjoys the care and support of his new family. The rules are simple: you take care of your people and your people take care of you.

There’s only one woman in his orbit Trix considers off limits: his best friend’s ex. Yet, he’s falling victim to Katherine’s irresistible pull. As things intensify between them, their fragile bond threatens everything and everyone he loves. But things are not what they seem – they never are – and Trix has to make things right with all the people in his life who matter.

 

 

Other Books in the Crooked Brook Series

 

Breaking Country

 

 

Crooked Brook, Book 1

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Published: April 2020

CRUEL TO BE KIND

One day Alexandra Weber looks up and everyone around her is moving on, growing up, and storing their emotional baggage, which leaves them little time to continue to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. In a moment of rash impulsiveness, for which she is famous, following a night that goes entirely out of control – she’s done that way too many times to count – she makes a mistake that leads to an impossible ultimatum and a chance at happiness.

Winn Taylor grew up at Crooked Brook Ranch. His life is full of good friends, close family, and a job he was born to do. Yet, he feels like he’s drowning. Just when he’s certain he can’t take on one more responsibility, the girl from Chicago shows up. Alex and Winn hate how they spotlight each other’s brokenness. It seems, the only good things they share are their protective affection for Winn’s brother, and their love for an abused horse who needs both of them to get better.

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About the Author

 

E. J. is a wife and mother, a foster parent, a reformed corporate lackey with a degree in something unhelpful, and is a twenty-year veteran of the horse training industry. Currently, she works part time trying to teach adults and children how to not damage themselves on horseback. In her spare time – when she’s not ignoring laundry, bathing one of the multiple dogs and/or children, or acting as an unpaid chauffeur – she gives in to her persistent craving to tell a story she hopes you can lose yourself in.

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Small Town Romance – Lucky Cowboy

Small Town Romance – Lucky Cowboy

 

Small Town Romance, Western Romance

 

Date Published: April 6, 2021

Publisher: Heatherly Bell Books

Lincoln Carver is not worried about the lack of women in Stone Ridge, Texas. He’s content earning the occasional buckle as a rodeo champ and working his family’s cattle ranch. In fact, life was perfect until his matchmaking granny stuck her nose in his business. Now, he’s injured the new schoolteacher, and is spending more time with her than he’d like.

Sadie Stephens has loved Lincoln since she was a girl, but they were never more than friends. And a family feud involving a runaway bride closed any options for a romance with Lincoln for good. Lincoln’s only interest in her now is one of obligation and guilt. After all, he’s the one responsible for the lassoing “incident” at the school (don’t ask.) The single men of Stone Ridge are lining up to nurse the very eligible Sadie back to health, bringing her flowers, candy, and pies.

Lincoln brings her an ice pack…and gum.

No doubt about it, the hunky cowboy needs to learn the ABCs of courtship, but is Sadie the one to teach him?


About the Author


Heatherly was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama but lost her accent by the time she was two. Her grandmother, Mima, kept both the accent and spirit of the southern woman alive for decades. After leaving Alabama, Heatherly lived with her family in Puerto Rico and Maryland before being transplanted kicking and screaming to the California Bay Area. She now loves it here, she swears. Except the traffic.

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Historical Western Romance – Path of Treasures

Historical Western Romance – Path of Treasures

 

Historical Western Romance, Historical Romance

 

 

Published: December 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Sale for Only $.99 until January 1st!!

He was hired to kill her, but he’s not alone. Will he risk his life to save her instead?

Sara grew up on the Erie Canal with Jeremiah Streeter, owner of Streeter’s Ark, and Sam, the Ark’s bully. She never cared about who her parents were or where she came from, not until their helmsman is murdered and they hire a replacement.

Wolfe McKay and his partner have another job to do…kill the leader of the Canaller’s Coalition and his crew, then collect their bounty from the railroad magnate who hired them. But Wolfe soon discovers this job is far more complicated.

As Streeter’s Ark travels from Albany to Buffalo, Wolfe’s purpose takes a drastic turn when he and the crew find themselves the target of a deadly plot and a race against time to stop it.

A beautiful mule driver, the champion fighter who raised her, a half-breed Indian without a heart and an easy-going cowboy team up to track down outlaws and notoriously become known as Streeter’s Gang. This is their beginning…

 

Excerpt

 

 

Chapter One

 

Hudson Valley, 1852

Horace Vanderbrook sat at his desk with his green eyes planted on the door. At fifty-two years old, he was by far the wealthiest financier in the country. He thrived on a challenge and adored the kill. He had no patience for ignorance or drollery, felt no sympathy for the underdog, and never allowed any margin of error from anyone, not even himself. In all his life, he had made only one mistake. And it was that which had come back to haunt him now.

The butler announced the arrival of his guests and when they entered his study, Horace caught a frown. Both men looked more like desperados than professional gunmen. They wore buckskin pants, tall leather boots, and openly carried pistols about their waist. The blonde was medium built and covered with dirt from head to toe. The other stood over a foot taller with black hair and cold blue eyes. A half-breed, he surmised disdainfully.

I’m Cole Anderson and this here’s my partner, Wolfe McKay,” the blonde man said as he slapped his gallon hat against his leg to get rid of the dust. “Rodman assured us if we came straight away, you’d make it worth our while.”

Horace remained silent. He wasn’t at all impressed with these men. This matter was an extremely delicate matter that needed to be handled both quickly and quietly, and they hardly seemed the type of men who would be discreet. And yet, he trusted Gunther Rodman. “You both come highly recommended for your efficiency as well as your discretion. This matter demands complete confidentiality.”

Cole glanced over at his partner. “That’s why we’re here.”

He wasn’t convinced, but he offered them a seat and folded his hands in front of him. “I will come right to the point. Jeremiah Streeter is the leader of the canal coalition. He owns a two-bit freighter called Streeter’s Ark and for the past year, he and his crew have used every devious tactic to destroy my railroad business. I want them stopped. Permanently. I am willing to pay you five hundred dollars for your trouble.”

Cole burst out laughing. “Hell, the only thing we’ll do for that pocket change is look for them in the nearest tavern.”

He stiffened. “What’s your price?”

That depends.” Cole slid back in his seat and crossed his boots on top of his desk. “We usually charge a thousand bucks a head. That’s when we’re told their identity and location. Otherwise, we’ve got to tack on food and lodging expenses. We also need to know the details of their crime.”

The details?” he asked indignantly. “I thought money was your only incentive.”

You thought wrong,” Wolfe stated, still leaning against the doorway.

Horace shot to his feet. “For starters, they put three of my best railroad bosses in the hospital. They’ve disassembled portions of my tracks, threatened my workers and awaiting passengers, contaminated coal bins, and continually petition the State against my efforts for expansion.”

Has the law been involved?” Cole asked.

I reported a few of the incidences to local Marshalls, but they said they couldn’t find sufficient proof against them.”

Wolfe stepped forward. “Then how do you know they’re responsible?”

Horace glanced down at the small wood carving on his desk. He didn’t want to tell them the rest. He didn’t even want to think about it. But his sister was right in that he had no other recourse. Confiding in the law would merely re-open an investigation that needed to remain buried. If word got out, it would cause a huge public scandal, one that would ruin his business as well as their family’s reputation.

And the last thing he wanted was for the past to be stirred up.

A blackmail note was delivered to me the other day, which adds extortion to their list of crimes,” he finally replied.

What did it say?” Cole asked, but Horace continued staring at the wooden horse on his desk and remained silent. “Sir, what did the note say?”

He claims to have proof that I sunk a riverboat killing twelve passengers and crew. He’s referring to an accident that happened nearly twenty years ago. That bastard is deliberately dredging up the past in another demented plot to stall my railway expansion and I’ll be damned if I let him drag my good family name through the mud.”

What are his demands?”

They want twenty thousand dollars placed on a freighter called the Jaybird at the canal docks in Albany two weeks from tomorrow. That’s when Streeter is scheduled to return to Albany, again proving he’s behind this.” Horace finally snapped out of his trance and looked up at them. “I want Streeter stopped. I want him and his damn crew dead and buried by this time next week. I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars for the lot. One thousand now for expenses and the rest will be delivered to you when the job is complete.”

Cole jumped to his feet. “Consider it done!”

Hold on…” Wolfe said as he reached over and picked up the wooden horse to examine it. “We need to see the note.”

Horace snatched the carving out of his hand, reached into his top drawer, and handed him the note. “Do you want the job or not?”

After Wolfe read it, he nodded in agreement.

Horace tossed the bag of currency to Cole. “Contact Gunther Rodman when you’re finished. He’ll pay you the rest.”

Outside, Cole mounted his horse and hooted, “Now this is what I call easy money! Let’s get ourselves a room and have a night on the town.”

Wolfe stood there, still contemplating the conversation. “I don’t like it. He’s not telling us the whole story.”

Aw, Wolfe, can’t we just take things at face value for once? Vanderbrook is damn sure Streeter’s behind this and I got a hankering to have some fun tonight.”

First, we’re heading to Fultonville,” Wolfe told him.

Fultonville? What for?”

After we inquire about Streeter’s Ark, we’re going to ask around to see if anyone remembers a woman by the name of Molly O’Brian.”

Cole frowned. “Who the hell is she?”

Her name and hometown were inscribed on that wooden carving. And there were several others displayed on the corner shelf.”

Cole shook his head. “Why the hell are you always trying to dig deeper?”

Fultonville’s a small canal town. Why would a wealthy railroad baron have a dozen wood carvings on display by a canal girl and then pay to have the canal leader killed? Not having all the facts just complicates things.”

Cole followed Wolfe down the drive. “Well, I think you’re the only one complicating things.”

The two men reached the small town of Fultonville by dark. After tying their horses to a hitching post, they stopped at the Inn for a couple of rooms and a drink. There were only a few patrons inside the tavern. Cole, being the more social one, struck up a conversation with the barkeep. He told a few fibs about how he was looking for work on the canal. Pretty soon, Zach was buying them a round of drinks and giving them a wealth of information.

First, they learned that Jeremiah Streeter was the one to talk to about a job on the canal and that his boat passed through town the day before making its way to Buffalo. Next, they heard all about Streeter’s bully who had been a champion fighter in his day and wasn’t to be reckoned with. Lastly, they discovered that Zach had lived in this town his whole life, sixty-two years, so he knew everybody.

Wolfe nudged Cole, urging him to pry more information out of Zach. Cole thought for a second, then grinned. “I used to have kin living in these parts, Zach. I don’t know much about them, except that Ma talked all the time about her cousin, Molly O’Brian.”

Zach leaned against the bar. “That would be Patsy’s family. He died of the fever years ago and left his wife, Maureen, and his daughter, Molly, behind.”

Do they still live around here? I’d sure like to meet them.” When the barkeep fell silent, Wolfe nudged Cole again. “I’d be obliged to know where I could find them, Zach. Ma thought the world of Molly and now that my folks are gone, they’d be the only kin I got left.”

We all thought the world of her, too,” Zach said mindfully. “Molly was a tiny thing with bright red hair, freckles and the sweetest face. I owned the general store back then and once a week she came to visit. I got a real kick out of her. They didn’t have much money and the minute my back was turned her fingers dove straight into the licorice jar. I let her get away with it, too. Figured she earned that bit of pleasure.” His smile left him. “But she married that fella from downriver and that was the beginning of the end.”

What happened to her?” Cole asked.

Zach poured himself a jigger of whiskey, obviously choked-up, then came around the bar and sat down next to Cole. “I loved that little girl like she was my own, but she was canal-bred and he was a rich fop. The two just don’t mix, not in my lifetime. Maureen told me that Molly was being snubbed by her sister-in-law and all those other socialites and having a rough time of it. She was on her way up here to visit her Ma when the riverboat went down just north of Albany in Saratoga County. She and her baby drowned. Everybody on the boat died.”

That’s a real sad story,” Cole said. “How’d the boat sink?”

No one knows for sure. They said the larboard boiler must’ve exploded and it was ruled it an accident, but there were a lot of rumors flitting around and people pointing fingers.”

Do you think it was done on purpose?” Cole asked.

I’d bet my life on it. It’s rare for a boiler to explode and sink a boat in seconds without any survivors. But that was a long time ago.”

When did it happen?”

Zach let out a heavy sigh. “Nineteen years ago this past May. Molly’s babe was just a month old. Maureen died a year later from pneumonia…and heartache, I expect. Now, all I’ve got left are precious memories and Molly’s carvings.” He pointed toward the small display behind the bar. “That little darlin’ could whittle with the best of them and she always won first prize. She sure loved horses….”

I hear a packet called the Jaybird needs a deckhand,” Wolfe mentioned, breaking the silence. “Has it been through here lately?”

Zach tore his eyes away from the display and went back behind the bar. “Never heard of it.”

 

About the Author


Gail Meath composes historical romance novels that grip your heart and imagination. With a refreshing and captivating writing-style, she creates amazing characters who instantly draw you into their world and keep you wanting more, long after the ending. And with her love of historical research, she paints the perfect ambiance to sweep you back in time.

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Western Romance – Evangeline Goes West

Western Romance – Evangeline Goes West

 

Western Romance

 

Date Published: November 20, 2020

Bored out of her mind with the burbs and her abusive husband, former-farmgirl Eva packs up her paints and heads for the wilds of Wyoming. Hiding out at her friend’s guest ranch, she’s determined to find her old self that she lost somewhere along the way. What she doesn’t count on finding is Chase McCoy, a handsome young cowboy whose cavalier smile works like a balm for her weary soul. But Eva has resolved she is not looking for a man again. Especially not a cocky cowpoke who is nearly a decade her junior—even if he is six-feet-plus of work-honed muscle and his Wranglers fit like a gift to women everywhere.

However, Chase is more than he seems. A tragic past made him a man before his time, and determined to prove he’s exactly what she’s been missing in her life, he sets his Stetson in her direction. If life has taught him anything, it’s that you have to work hard for what you want and fight for a woman worth keeping. Maybe Eva is stubborn as a Missouri mule, but he knows he’s up to the task of changing her mind.

Just when Eva thinks she’s outrun her demons, she finds a little something in her Jeep that contains big secrets. It seems her ex isn’t ready to let her go, and he’s willing to do anything to keep her quiet. Lie, cheat, steal—and possibly even kill. Maybe Evangeline’s never fought back before, but her newfound family is more than willing, and Jared Wassler just might find he messed with the wrong bull.

***Buckleup, Buttercup. This here’s an irreverent 18+ adult contemporary western romance. It contains copious amounts of swearing, violence, sex, feminism, and other volatile subjects. If that ain’t your cup o’ tea put this book right back down.

 

About the Author

Long ago, a fortune teller read Julia’s palm and told her, “You’d better write this all down.” Julia has been writing, writing, writing ever since. Somewhere along the line she earned a degree in fine art and traveled the world. Now she lives on a farm in Missouri with her darling husband, two criminal conures, one stubborn bulldog, one bad bunny, and possibly too many chickens.

But really, is there such a thing as too many chickens?

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Contemporary Western Romance – Aurora’s Cowboy Daddy

Contemporary Western Romance – Aurora’s Cowboy Daddy

Ranch Rescue Book 1

Western Romance, Contemporary

Date Published: September 30, 2020

Publisher: Blushing Books

 

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

 

Holt Coleman runs the Rescue Ranch with his five brothers. A project
initiated by their parents and supported by the entire family. They rescue
abused women, and abused horses. Two very different ventures with more
similarities than expected, both are suffering from past trauma and have
lost the ability to trust. Currently, the ranch needs a new house mother to
welcome and assist the women who are seeking safety here. When convicted
murderer Aurora Bickman applies Holt’s intrigued by her application
and her past. When he meets her he knows he has to have her, as an employee,
as a lover and as her daddy.

Aurora Bickman was released from prison early given her good behavior and
prison overcrowding. Most people thought she didn’t serve long enough
but they also didn’t know her sentence began shortly after she married
her deceased husband. Feeling as though she’s imposed on her best
friend’s hospitality long enough, and even though she’s scared
beyond belief, she is ready to start her life over on her terms. Surprised
she has an interview and worried she’ll be rejected, she pushes the
feelings aside and takes a chance at the Rescue Ranch. When she sees the
gorgeous ranch and meets the handsome Holt Coleman, she feels as if her
dreams have a chance to come true. In more ways than one.

This is book one in the Rescue Ranch series and can be enjoyed
independently.

Publisher’s Note: This sexy, Daddy Dom, cowboy romance contains
elements of danger, adventure, mystery, sensual themes and power exchange
and is intended for adults only. If any of these offend you, please do not
purchase.

EXCERPT

The delicious smell of trees hit Aurora square in the face as she stepped out of her borrowed car. It was the incredible smell of spring in the Texas Panhandle. There was the mixture of just mowed grass, wildflowers, and horses.

She glanced around. No one came out of the large ranch-style house to greet her. The house was huge, with a wrap-around porch on both the bottom and top level. Both of them were decorated with plants and flowers, and so many rocking chairs that Aurora didn’t even stop to count.

A picture of sitting here after dinner, reading a book and enjoying some iced tea made her smile. But then again most things made her smile lately. She’d spent six months in prison, and had been on parole another two and a half years, but not able to set foot out of Rainwater County near Dallas until two months ago. Now she was free, and jobless. The house in front of her wasn’t something she would be able to afford. But if they gave her the job she was here to interview for, then maybe she would be able to sit here and enjoy her tea at night.

She snorted in derision as she slammed her door. She’d interviewed for so many jobs over the last few months, and none of them had gone well. When potential employers heard she was a convicted murderer they usually thanked her for coming and said they’d get back to her. They never did.

For this job she’d talked to Holt Coleman on the phone. His voice had been deep and reassuring and he’d asked her to drive to Bookman Springs, about one hundred miles southeast of Amarillo. It was almost two hundred miles from where she was bedding with friends outside Dallas. Since it was so far she made sure there would be no surprises.

“Just so you know, I’m a convicted murderer,” she said.

“Don’t worry about getting a hotel room in town,” he’d said as an answer. “We have lots of room here for you at the ranch. You can stay here and have dinner with us and meet my brothers, too.”

She’d been so shocked at his response she had almost dropped the phone. “Did you hear what I said?”

“Convicted murderer, yeah, I heard. Please be here around two tomorrow.”

Aurora pulled her phone from her pocket and checked the time; ten minutes after two. She put it back in her pocket and walked toward the front door. Before she could mount the stairs the screen door flew open and a handsome cowboy stepped out.

“Hello, darling! Welcome to the Rescue Ranch.” He hurried down the stairs and held out his hand. “Austin Coleman, at your service.”

Aurora laughed as she shook his hand. “Aurora Bickman. I’m here to see Holt.”

“Yeah, about that.”

Aurora’s heart fell. Her words from last night had obviously set in, and Holt didn’t want to see her. The jerk had let her drive all this way. She tried to pull back her hand, but Austin held it tight.

“Holt is out helping to settle a new filly. I’m supposed to offer you tea and tell you he’ll be here as soon as possible.” He finally let go of her hand. “So come in the house, we’ll fix a drink, and well, I’m sorry to say, you’ll have to wait.”

He turned and went up the stairs as fast as he’d come down them. Aurora guessed his age to be around twenty-five or so. He had the screen door open before she reached the top. She went inside to see an immaculate house full of wooden furniture and walls decorated with western art. The far wall was floor to ceiling glass, with French doors in the middle that were open, letting the smell that had greeted her outside float in.

“Beautiful,” she said.

“Mom and Dad designed it,” Austin said. “Their room is downstairs, and the six of us have rooms upstairs.”

“Six of you?” Aurora asked. “And your parents live here, too?”

“They use this as their permanent address, but right now they are living out of an RV, traveling the nation. We haven’t seen them in forever.” He took a step and then turned back around. “And yes, six of us: Holt, Hawkins, the triplets Reed, Kyle, Wyatt, and then me. I’m the baby.”

“Which is why you got stuck with me,” she said.

“I volunteered,” Austin said. “It’s my night to cook dinner, and I need the time to put steaks in to marinade and let them soak up the flavor. I make a great steak. You’re going to love it.” He waved his hand around the room. “Take a gander, and I’ll get you that tea. Sweet? Or unsweet?”

“Sweet, please,” she said.

“Good girl,” he said with a smile before he headed to the left and disappeared through a doorway. “Make yourself at home,” he called out.

Aurora took advantage of her alone time to examine the room. Near the glass walls there was a staircase that disappeared up to the second floor. There was also a hallway on the other side of the room. In between the two was a large fireplace that showed signs of being used in the last few days. She wanted to explore, to see what was at the top of the stairs, to see what was down the hallway.

But like a good little inmate she stayed exactly where she was; she was so used to being told where to go, and when to go, that she had problems thinking for herself.

“What are you doing?”

Aurora looked to where Austin stood, two glasses of tea in his hand.

“Waiting for you to come back,” she said.

He smiled, then said, “Have a seat.”

“Where?”

“There’s lots of them here,” he said, moving his hand in the direction of the two sofas and several chairs sitting in the middle of the room.

Aurora took a seat in a large wingback chair. She accepted the glass of tea he offered her before he sat down on one of the sofas.

“You a Texas girl?” he asked.

“Born and raised in Lubbock,” she said.

“Ah, the dust bowl capital of Texas,” he said, right before he drained his tea.

Aurora took a sip from hers. It was cold, sweet, and delicious. “Where were you born?” she asked.

“All six of us were born here in Bookman Springs.” He crossed his legs. “Our parents have always been big on supporting local businesses, which includes doctors and the hospital here.”

“Do all six of you work at the ranch?” she asked.

“Yup.” He stood. “Need more tea?”

Since there was barely a sip missing from her glass, Aurora shook her head.

He turned to leave and then said, “Oh, looks like you’re saved from me.”

Aurora stood and turned toward the windows Austin was looking through. A large man was dismounting a horse. He tied the reins around a hitch, then started up the stairs, taking them two at a time. He took his hat off as he strode through the door, and Aurora thought her heart would stop.

He was, without a doubt, the most handsome man she’d ever seen. She imagined him to be in his late thirties. He had dark, close-cropped hair and several days of dark stubble, mixed with a little gray, on his chin. He wore a denim button down shirt, jeans, and chaps.

“Aurora,” he said as he stuck out his hand. “Forgive my rudeness, and welcome to the Rescue Ranch. I’m Holt Coleman.”

“Thank you,” she managed to say. She shook his hand and could have sworn she felt a jolt of electricity from his touch.

“Well, I’m going to go work on dinner,” Austin said. He started to leave, but stopped when his brother asked him to bring another glass of tea—no, make that a pitcher—to the back deck. “Sure, sure,” Austin said. “At your service.”

When he was gone, Holt chuckled. “Austin feels put upon because he’s the youngest. Come on, let’s go outside and we can talk.” He put his hat on the coffee table, then indicated she should precede him out the French doors.

There was one table on the deck. Holt hurried over and held out a chair for her. Aurora sat down, shivering a bit when he touched her shoulders as he pushed the chair toward the table.

“We work as hard as we can to keep to a schedule here, but sometimes things happen unexpectedly.” He sat down next to her. “We had to rescue a filly this morning from up near Borger. We left the house at four, and got back around eleven. She was anxious, so Kyle, Hawk, and I were getting her settled.”

“An abused horse?” she asked.

“Yes, starved and beaten.” She could hear the anger in his voice. “If the sheriff there hadn’t already arrested the guy I would have busted his lip.”

“That’s awful,” she said. “Was he arrested for animal cruelty?”

“For that and for doing the same thing to his wife,” Holt said.

Austin appeared and placed a tray on the table. “I added cookies.” He mock curtsied and then went back in the house.

“Like I said, he thinks he’s put upon.” Holt poured himself a glass of tea. “So, tell me about yourself. But before you begin, don’t tell me about why you were in prison. I want you to tell all of us tonight at supper. It’s best for everyone to hear that story firsthand.”

“All right,” she said. “Um, born and raised in Lubbock. I’m single. I have no brothers and sisters. My parents don’t talk to me because I’m an embarrassment to them. I have a few friends who stuck by me through the whole ordeal.”

Oh, and my late husband’s brother wants to kill me. She kept that part to herself.

“I can’t even get a job at a convenience store.” Her hands shook as she took a sip from her tea. “I-I…” She knew she should be honest, but she didn’t know how much to tell him. “I’ve lived with Dana and Jake since I got out of prison. They’re being very generous with me, but I know they want their lives back. I’ve been there two and a half years. That’s a long time to have someone in your house.” She cleared her throat. “I had some money, and I’ve been helping with utilities and food and the like, but it’s almost gone now.”

“Where did you get the money?” he asked.

“I had an aunt who died while I was in prison. She left her estate to me.” Aurora stared into her glass. “I was named after her. She was my mother’s sister, and she hated Mom for abandoning me. It wasn’t a lot of money, but it helped more than you would know.”

Tears built up in her eyes and she wished she could blink them away. When they fell down her cheeks she was surprised when he patted her hand.

“I can only imagine how hard it’s been on you,” he said. But he didn’t keep on the subject of her family. Instead he turned to business. “I need to talk to you about this job.”

Aurora sniffled. She could tell from the sound of his voice he was about to deliver bad news, and that meant she was going to be unemployed when she drove back home tomorrow.

“You’ve been totally honest with me, and I haven’t done the same with you.”

Aurora turned her gaze toward him. His look was gentle, yet she could see hesitation there.

“I told you we needed someone to be a sort of den mother, but it’s not for us.”

She looked at him in confusion. “Austin said your parents were doing the RV thing.”

“Yes,” he said.

“If you want me to help with the horses, I don’t know that much about them.”

He took a healthy swig of his tea before he said, “How are you with abused women?”

***

 

About the Author

Melinda Barron loves to explore Egyptian tombs and temples, discover Mayan
ruins, play in castles towers, and explore new cities and countries. She
generally does it all from the comfort of her home by opening a book.

Melinda loves to lose herself between the pages of a book. The only thing
she loves more is creating stories from the wonderful heroes and heroines
that haunt her dreams and crowd her head. She believes love is for everyone,
not just those who are a size 2. Her books are full of magic, suspense and
love, in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Mel currently lives in the Texas Panhandle, with two cats, and a file
stuffed with new ideas to keep her typing fingers busy, and your heart
engaged.

She also writes as Maura McMann.

Contact Links

Facebook

Blog

 

Purchase Links

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Blushing Books Store

Western Romance – Aurora’s Cowboy Daddy

Western Romance – Aurora’s Cowboy Daddy

Ranch Rescue Book 1

Western Romance, Contemporary

Date Published: September 30, 2020

Publisher: Blushing Books

 

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Holt Coleman runs the Rescue Ranch with his five brothers. A project
initiated by their parents and supported by the entire family. They rescue
abused women, and abused horses. Two very different ventures with more
similarities than expected, both are suffering from past trauma and have
lost the ability to trust. Currently, the ranch needs a new house mother to
welcome and assist the women who are seeking safety here. When convicted
murderer Aurora Bickman applies Holt’s intrigued by her application
and her past. When he meets her he knows he has to have her, as an employee,
as a lover and as her daddy.

Aurora Bickman was released from prison early given her good behavior and
prison overcrowding. Most people thought she didn’t serve long enough
but they also didn’t know her sentence began shortly after she married
her deceased husband. Feeling as though she’s imposed on her best
friend’s hospitality long enough, and even though she’s scared
beyond belief, she is ready to start her life over on her terms. Surprised
she has an interview and worried she’ll be rejected, she pushes the
feelings aside and takes a chance at the Rescue Ranch. When she sees the
gorgeous ranch and meets the handsome Holt Coleman, she feels as if her
dreams have a chance to come true. In more ways than one.

This is book one in the Rescue Ranch series and can be enjoyed
independently.

Publisher’s Note: This sexy, Daddy Dom, cowboy romance contains
elements of danger, adventure, mystery, sensual themes and power exchange
and is intended for adults only. If any of these offend you, please do not
purchase.

 

About the Author

Melinda Barron loves to explore Egyptian tombs and temples, discover Mayan
ruins, play in castles towers, and explore new cities and countries. She
generally does it all from the comfort of her home by opening a book.

Melinda loves to lose herself between the pages of a book. The only thing
she loves more is creating stories from the wonderful heroes and heroines
that haunt her dreams and crowd her head. She believes love is for everyone,
not just those who are a size 2. Her books are full of magic, suspense and
love, in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

Mel currently lives in the Texas Panhandle, with two cats, and a file
stuffed with new ideas to keep her typing fingers busy, and your heart
engaged.

She also writes as Maura McMann.

Contact Links

Facebook

Blog

 

Purchase Links

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Blushing Books Store

 

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