Return to ranching country with bestselling author Patricia Thayer—don't miss the second in her enthralling Slater Sisters series! Driving through the Lazy S Ranch after ten years away, the first person Josie Slater sees is the gorgeous-as-ever Garrett Temple! The memories of her first love and her first broken heart come flooding back. She doesn’t have time for old attractions, as the Lazy S needs her help! But when a snowstorm blows in, Josie and Garrett are left stranded together. With nowhere to run, the feeling that they still belong together is undeniable….
The Lazy S Ranch, one of the last major ranches to be established in Texas, came into being at a time when most of the other great ranches were disappearing. Founded in 1898 by Dallas banker and rancher Colonel Christopher Columbus Slaughter, the Lazy S grew to comprise nearly 250,000 acres of the western High Plains in Cochran and Hockley counties, much of which lay in a single contiguous pasture of more than 180,000 acres. Even with careful investment and management, C. C. Slaughter faced many challenges putting together an extensive ranch amid the development of the farmers’ frontier on the high plains. Within a decade, he crafted the Lazy S to become a showplace for well-bred cattle, effective range management, and efficient utilization of limited water resources. He created a working ranch that would serve as a long-lasting legacy for his wife and nine children, to remain “undivided and indivisible.” But shortly after his death in 1919, the family drained its resources, drove it into debt, then divided the land ten ways. In the 1930s, good fortune returned to some of the Slaughter heirs with the discovery of oil on the family lands. Though the Lazy S Ranch was soon forgotten, the breakup of the ranch spurred a new era for the western Llano Estacado and led to the establishment of a county, growth of four new towns, and a railroad across the heart of the ranch, fostered for the most part by the land development projects of Slaughter’s descendants. Here, David J. Murrah covers the entire, fascinating history in The Rise and Fall of the Lazy S Ranch.
Cowgirl, Unexpectedly Settling down isn't an option… …not when her demons refuse to die. Since returning from Iraq, veteran Mackenzie Parish has tried to find a way back to herself. Out of cash, she hires on at a Wyoming ranch. The only problem? Riding a horse is much harder than riding a Harley. But her new bunkmate, the former bull riding champion Hank Nash, is just what she needs to take her mind off her saddle sores. Estranged from his daughter, Hank has a lot to make up for, but he intends to convince Mac she should stay until then. Unfortunately, even blue skies and miles of open land may not be enough to soothe Mac's restless soul. Or mute the constant call of the road. No one gets through life unscathed, and Hank can't fathom what Mac has survived. It will take time, patience, and love to help her through. But when deadly trouble comes to the Lazy S, will Mac hit the road, or will she choose the man who's helped mend her shattered soul? Cowboy, Untamed PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS MUST LOVE HORSES Sydney Teller has a lot to prove… To the horse industry, to herself, and to the man who thinks she's nothing but trouble. All she needs is a chance. Deployments to Iraq taught Bryan "Boomer" Wilcox to be wary. And Sydney's tarnished family reputation makes him doubt she has what it takes to become the Lazy S Ranch's horse trainer. Though, it seems Sydney is determined to prove him wrong… …about so many things. But Bryan hasn't escaped the military without physical scars. And despite their attraction and budding relationship, it's Bryan's emotional wounds that have Sydney worried. When foul play threatens the ranch—and their lives—will Bryan discover he's the hero he's always been, or will his demons be stronger than their love? Cowboy, Undone PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS HOT ON THE TRAIL A second chance at first love. All Jenna Nash ever wanted was her equine therapy program… … and Quinn Powell. At least she has her program. One out of two isn't bad. Except, when tragedy strikes the Lazy S, forcing Quinn back to the ranch, Jenna's program may get closed down before it gets started. Jenna wants to save the program. Quinn wants answers… … and back into the cockpit after a possible career-ending injury. Now they must work together to find the truth. But the truth is uglier and more dangerous than either one of them imagined. Even if they can put their pasts behind them, they have more to fear than losing their hearts… … they could lose their lives.
One stolen kiss with a cowboy When Ana Slater's father is taken ill, she knows she can't look after The Lazy S Ranch alone. There is one man who can help. The cowboy she has found it impossible to forget—Vance Rivers. With the words "Work hard and hands off my daughters!" etched into his memory, Vance knew from the very beginning that Ana was strictly off-limits—no matter what! All he could do was ensure he was the best cowboy in Montana. But now, with Ana back on the ranch, the rules are set to change. And finally their chance at happiness might be just around the corner….
Survival instincts Her Rocky Mountain Protector by Patricia Thayer With his military dog in tow, ex-soldier Grady Fletcher plans to keep his troubled mind occupied while staying on his grandfather’s property—until it’s time to move on again. Single mom Gina Williams gets the distinct feeling that beneath Grady’s guarded exterior lies a kind, trustworthy man. So when Gina’s little boy goes missing, there’s only one person she’ll turn to for help… Blame It on the Rodeo by Amanda Renee Working at the Langtry family’s ranch forces veterinarian Lexi Lawson to confront rodeo rider Shane Langtry, the man who broke her heart. Long ago, when they were in love, Lexi hid a terrible secret from Shane—one she planned to keep forever. But when he learns the truth, she’s forced to choose between the past she left behind…and the future they might still find together.
New arrivals on the ranch… Her Secret, His Baby by Tanya Michaels After his mother drops a bombshell secret, Garrett Frost needs time away to come to terms with the news. He’s not prepared to run into Arden Cade, the woman he shared one passionate night with six months ago—or to learn she’s pregnant and he’s the father! Garrett can’t help falling for Arden all over again. But he’ll have to find a way to forgive her…and make peace with his past. A Colorado Family by Patricia Thayer Home to recover from an injury, champion bull rider Austin Brannigan finds his world turned upside down when he learns he has a baby daughter. Austin feels totally out of his depth as a dad, but luckily his physical therapist, Erin Carlton, steps into the role of temporary mom, putting dreams of her own family on hold. Will baby Lilly help Austin and Erin create new dreams for both of them?
A daring proposal Wanted: Texas Daddy by Cathy Gillen Thacker No one in Laramie, Texas, knows about Sage Lockhart’s friends-with-benefits arrangement with sexy cowboy Nick Monroe. And now Sage wants something more from Nick—she wants to have his baby. Nick’s always wanted to take things with Sage to the next level, and having a child with her is an adventure he can’t refuse. But neither of them realizes just how complicated things can get… Dylan’s Last Dare by Patricia Thayer Sidelined by an injury, bull-riding champion Dylan Gentry isn’t used to taking orders. But he meets his match in beautiful, no-nonsense physical therapist Brenna Farren. And once the handsome cowboy learns that Brenna is pregnant, his protective instincts kick in. Dylan thinks he’s learned all there is to know about taking risks. But accepting Brenna and her unborn baby into his life might just be his biggest dare of all!
Healing a cowboy’s heart Luke: The Cowboy HeirLuke Randell never wanted to run the family ranch. He’s only back to claim his inheritance. But when he arrives, Tess Meyers is waiting for him, and she’s ready to fight for the ranch she and her little daughter call home. The businessman in Luke would evict them without a care. But the cowboy in him has different ideas… The Lionhearted Cowboy ReturnsRancher Lacey Guthrie must auction her livestock to keep a roof over her little family’s head. And the cowboy bidding on her prized horses is Jeff Gentry—the man she’s loved since childhood. He’s come back from the army as gorgeous as ever, but with a whole heap of storming emotions. Jeff believes he’s beyond redemption. Can Lacey show him he’s a genuine hero?
Finding his roots in Texas Jared’s Texas Homecoming Jared Trager came to Texas looking for the truth about his heritage, not to get hitched! But single mom Dana Shayne and her son, Evan, needed Jared’s help to save their ranch. Dana couldn’t resist Jared’s generous proposal, but she worried he might leave to pursue old dreams. How could she convince him that the path to true happiness led back to home…to her and Evan? Wyatt’s Ready-Made Family A man in search of his heritage, Wyatt Gentry arrived at the Rocking R ranch only to find Maura Wells pointing a rifle at him! The Lone Star bachelor had no choice but to offer to share his digs with the gorgeous blonde and her children. But having them around was fast turning the temporary arrangement into a permanent affair…
Texas redemption Texas Rebels: Jude by Linda Warren The day his son was born, Jude Rebel knew he was meant to be a father. That was why he had to stop the adoption. How could he give away his own flesh and blood? For twelve years, Jude has kept his secret. Until Paige Wheeler comes home to Horseshoe, regretting the decision that changed both their lives. But is it too late for forgiveness? Brady: The Rebel Rancher by Patricia Thayer Brady Randell has always been a rebel. Injured out of the air force, he’s a dark presence on the family ranch. Then Lindsey Stafford’s arrival changes all that. Somehow Lindsay can smooth Brady’s rough edges. But she has secrets that could destroy the Randell family. Now Brady must fight once more—not for his country, but for the woman who’s found a place in his heart.
