Jessie Kincaid was fifteen and innocent when Cameron asked her to the prom. She lost her heart that night, but his plans didn't change. He left their small town to pursue his dreams. Seventeen years later, a trip home leads Cameron McCade back to Salt Fork, Texas and the newly widowed Jessie Devine. Since his return, the fire between them burns as hot as ever. Can they take up where they left off? Can Jessie risk her heart again? KEYWORDS: contemporary western romance, Texas romance, cowboy romance, Free, freebie, steamy romance, reunion romance, second chance romance, alpha male, small town romance, rancher, doctor, medical
THE DOCTOR WEARS A STETSON The Sweeter Version: Book One The Diamondback Ranch Sweeter Series Contemporary Western Romance Novel 53,000 words/174pp AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a SWEETER (NOT sweet and clean) version of The Doctor Wears A Stetson. It's the same characters and story, but with love scenes that are less graphic and explicit. If you want a hotter sexier read, check out the original version in The Diamondback Ranch Series. BLURB: Jessie Kincaid was fifteen and innocent when Cameron asked her to the prom. She lost her heart that night, but his plans didn't change. He left their small town to pursue his dreams. Seventeen years later, a trip home leads Cameron McCade back to Salt Fork, Texas and the newly widowed Jessie Devine. Since his return, the fire between them burns as hot as ever. Can they take up where they left off? Can Jessie risk her heart again? EXCERPT: Jessie opened the screen door and turned toward Cameron. This was it, then. The end. Her fairy-tale prom night was over. "Thank you for a wonderful time," she said, holding out her hand, feeling like a fool. Cameron stared at her hand, then at her. His face was taut, as if he were in pain. His blue eyes burned like jewels. Jessie wondered what was wrong. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled her to him, arching her slender body into his. "I have to have one more kiss, Jess. One . . . more . . . kiss." His mouth crushed down on hers. This wasn't an obligatory goodnight kiss, Jessie thought, her heart hammering in her chest. This was a kiss like you read about in novels or watched at the movies. He must feel something for her, or he wouldn't be kissing her like this. How was she going to stand it when he left forever? Cameron broke the embrace and set her away from him. "Good bye, Jess." He didn't look at her again, didn't turn to wave. He got in his truck and drove away into the night and out of her life. Seventeen years later . . . The atmosphere sizzled in the small office. Jessie stood like a statue, her eyes opened wide. "Why did you come back?" Her raspy voice held a note of accusation. In two long strides, Cameron was beside her. She backed against the file cabinet. He stepped closer. "You know why I'm back. We need to finish what we started seventeen years ago." He touched a finger to her cheek, traced the smooth line of her jaw, eased his hand behind her neck and pulled her to him. Her trembling intensified and she put her hands on his chest as if to ward him off. He caught her hands and moved them over his heart. "Feel my heartbeat, Jess. It's beating for you." He pressed his body against hers. "Feel how much I want you. I tried to stay away, but God help me, I couldn't." His mouth claimed hers in fierce desire. Jessie moaned, holding back only for a second, knowing deep down resistance was hopeless. She couldn't help it . . . she kissed him back. KEYWORDS: sweeter romance, inspirational, Texas romance, cowboy romance, rancher, alpha male, second chances, reunion romance, small town, romance series, freebie, free, free book, doctor, medical
A collection of Courtney's columns from the Texas Monthly, curing the curious, exorcizing bedevilment, and orienting the disoriented, advising "on such things as: Is it wrong to wear your football team's jersey to church? When out at a dancehall, do you need to stick with the one that brung ya? Is it real Tex-Mex if it's served with a side of black beans? Can one have too many Texas-themed tattoos?"--Amazon.com.
THE DOCTOR WEARS A STETSON The Sweeter Version: Book One The Diamondback Ranch Sweeter Series Contemporary Western Romance Novel AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a SWEETER (NOT sweet and clean) version of The Doctor Wears A Stetson. It's the same characters and story, but with love scenes that are less graphic and explicit. If you want a sexier read, check out the steamier version in The Diamondback Ranch Original Series. BLURB: Jessie Kincaid was fifteen and innocent when Cameron asked her to the prom. She lost her heart that night, but his plans didn't change. He left their small town to pursue his dreams. Seventeen years later, a trip home leads Cameron McCade back to Salt Fork, Texas and the newly widowed Jessie Devine. Since his return, the fire between them burns as hot as ever. Can they take up where they left off? Can Jessie risk her heart again? EXCERPT: Jessie opened the screen door and turned toward Cameron. This was it, then. The end. Her fairy-tale prom night was over. "Thank you for a wonderful time," she said, holding out her hand, feeling like a fool. Cameron stared at her hand, then at her. His face was taut, as if he were in pain. His blue eyes burned like jewels. Jessie wondered what was wrong. Suddenly, he reached out and pulled her to him, arching her slender body into his. "I have to have one more kiss, Jess. One . . . more . . . kiss." His mouth crushed down on hers. This wasn't an obligatory goodnight kiss, Jessie thought, her heart hammering in her chest. This was a kiss like you read about in novels or watched at the movies. He must feel something for her, or he wouldn't be kissing her like this. How was she going to stand it when he left forever? Cameron broke the embrace and set her away from him. "Good bye, Jess." He didn't look at her again, didn't turn to wave. He got in his truck and drove away into the night and out of her life. Seventeen years later . . . The atmosphere sizzled in the small office. Jessie stood like a statue, her eyes opened wide. "Why did you come back?" Her raspy voice held a note of accusation. In two long strides, Cameron was beside her. She backed against the file cabinet. He stepped closer. "You know why I'm back. We need to finish what we started seventeen years ago." He touched a finger to her cheek, traced the smooth line of her jaw, eased his hand behind her neck and pulled her to him. Her trembling intensified and she put her hands on his chest as if to ward him off. He caught her hands and moved them over his heart. "Feel my heartbeat, Jess. It's beating for you." He pressed his body against hers. "Feel how much I want you. I tried to stay away, but God help me, I couldn't." His mouth claimed hers in fierce desire. Jessie moaned, holding back only for a second, knowing deep down resistance was hopeless. She couldn't help it . . . she kissed him back.
When Tessa's big-city plans take the A Train to disaster, she lands in her sleepy hometown, smack in the middle of the most unlikely love triangle ever to hit Pennsylvania's Amish Country. Hot-shot Dr. Richard Bruce is bound to Green Ridge by loyalty that runs deep. Deeper still is Jonas Rishel's tie to the land and his family's Amish community. Behind the wheel of a 1979 camper van, Tessa idles at a fork in the road. Will she cruise the superhighway to the future? Or take a slow trot to the past and a mysterious society she never dreamed she'd glimpse from the inside?
Trevor Callahan's long estranged grandfather is dead. As a kid, living with the stern old man had been pure hell. Trev returns to Stone Creek for one reason and one reason only: To sell the Rocking C Ranch. Maybe then he can put his past behind him and move on. Beth Evans once confused lust for love and vows never to let it happen again. The bookmobile driver is trying to raise funds to build a new library. The late Hank Callahan bequeathed one million dollars for the project, but he attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the ranch. EXCERPT: He leaned across the desk. “You know, we haven’t discussed the kiss the other night.” She scooted the chair back. “There’s nothing to discuss.” He stood and slowly came around the desk, reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. “I want to kiss you again.” “That’s probably not a good idea.” Oh, lord. She was playing with fire and if she wasn’t careful, she was going to get burned. Bad. “Probably not. I know you said we’d never kiss again. But don’t you want to kiss me? Can’t you feel the pull between us?” “Yes . . . No!” She jerked her hand free and started backing away. He followed, closing in on her until she bumped against the library table. “Just one kiss, Beth. One kiss can’t hurt.” Before she could react, before she could reply, Trevor wrapped his arms around her, covered her mouth with his and God help her, she was a goner. KEYWORDS: Texas romance, cowboy romance, single mom, librarian, small town, alpha male, tortured hero, secrets, steamy romance
Millionaire professor, Adam Brant is hiding from life. When his broken engagement is plastered all over the papers and tabloids, he retreats to the only place he's ever felt he belonged--his late grandmother's lighthouse in Briny Cove, Florida. He vows to live in seclusion away from nosy reporters, money-hungry women and people who can't accept him for who he is. Ambitious wanna-be journalist, Megan O'Conner is stuck in Briny Cove, living with her family, struggling to finish her degree and working odd jobs. When she finds out the new tenant in the old lighthouse is Adam Brant, Megan believes she's found her ticket out. But as she gets to know the sexy brainiac professor better, everything changes. Will she choose the exclusive story or the man who has stolen her heart? EXCERPT: Megan stayed where she was and gazed out at the water. "The view is awesome. You can see for miles. It's so beautiful up here." Adam joined her, keeping his distance as he stood near the windows. Whatever had just happened between them had left him shaken and trembling with need. He had to get Megan O'Conner out of the lighthouse and back to the mainland as quickly as possible. "Are you ready to go now?" he asked her quietly. She turned toward him and smiled. "You trying to get rid of me?" "Yes." If he didn't, he might do something foolish. Like kiss her. And then what? Megan's smile faded. She looked at him out of solemn eyes and nodded. "Then I guess it's time I left." She headed toward the door. Adam caught her arm and twirled her around to face him. "Don't come back to the lighthouse, Megan. I don't want you here." She lifted that damnable chin of hers. "I don't believe you mean that, Adam Brant." She grinned and disappeared down the stairwell. Her words and smile ignited a powerful exhilaration inside Adam's chest, and at that precise moment, he knew he was in trouble. Very deep trouble. KEYWORDS: contemporary romance, romantic comedy, beauty and the beast, nerd, millionaire, billionaire, lighthouse, secrets, betrayal, steamy romance, professor, journalist
Thankful for the chance to leave London and escape the unwelcome advances of an ardent suitor, Abigail Prescott accepts an invitation to Brydmoor Castle to paint the portrait of the reclusive Viscount Devlin and his small son. A young widow in straightened circumstances, she soon finds herself ensconced in his home and the object of his unwavering attention. Nathan Holt vows never to marry again. He's done his duty and has an heir. But when Abigail Prescott comes into his vicinity, the daily presence of her in his home becomes a temptation too hard to resist. Unable to deny himself any longer, he begins his seduction of her in earnest, only to find that once will never be enough. EXCERPT: Candles flickered in their holders, the shadows dancing on the walls and across the massive stone hearth in the Great Hall. It was late. Abigail had been restless lying in bed and decided to come downstairs. Perhaps she could add some of the finishing touches to the nearly finished portrait of Nathan and William. "Couldn't sleep?" The deep voice echoed in the vastness of the hall. Abigail gasped and whirled around in time to see Nathan emerge from the shadows. "You frightened me," she said, her own voice breathless in her ears. Warily, she watched his approach; his firm tread loud in the hush of the night. He walked straight toward her, his eyes holding hers in a look as old as time itself. Her stomach plummeted and her skin tingled against the silky fabric of her nightgown. Since she'd seen him last, he'd removed his coat and neckcloth and his shirt was unbuttoned at the throat. He'd obviously not gone to bed yet, late as it was. Standing before her, he took the paintbrush from her limp fingers and set it on the table next to the easel. "I couldn't sleep either," he said, his voice low and rough. "All I could think about was . . . this." KEYWORDS: Regency romance, historical romance, single father, second chance romance, widow, widower, alpha male, England
For years, Damien Avenall loved Alexandra Turlington like a little sister; or so he thought until she grew into a lovely and desirable young lady. In a moment of madness, he kisses her and everything changes between them. Alex often wonders why the dangerous viscount betrayed their special friendship. His kiss awakened her to passion, but she knows better than to give her heart to a libertine. Or does she? EXCERPT: Damien resumed his place at the breakfast table and smiled sardonically. “A man can enjoy a variety of interests, Miss Turlington. People may call me Demon, but I don’t waste all my time in decadent amusements, I assure you.” He waited for her response. Would she recognize her own words? Words that had cut through his jaded heart, words he knew even then to be true? Alexandra rose from the table, her cheeks flushed. “Years ago, I said some unkind things to you. I’m sorry, but you must admit the provocation was great.” Quickly, Damien pushed back his chair and leaned across the table. Placing a finger under her chin, he stared at her full, moist lips, then into her eyes. “I admit nothing, my dear. And I refuse to apologize for something which—if I remember correctly—I found extremely pleasurable.” Jerking her chin from his grasp, Alex stepped back. “You forget yourself, my lord. I’m no longer an impressionable schoolgirl. Try for once to act with gentlemanly decorum, especially if you intend to stay at Willowmede. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall go see about my brother.” “Certainly, Miss Turlington.” He frowned as he watched her retreating form. Alexandra was correct in saying she was no longer a schoolgirl. She was a beautiful woman, and much too desirable for his peace of mind. KEYWORDS: Traditional Regency romance, regency romance, historical, historical romance, England, second chances, reunion, alpha male, friends to lovers, betrayal
Historical Inspirational Western Romance Four Short Stories Sweet and Clean THE RANCHER'S ORPHAN BRIDE Rachel Hendricks moves to Cactus Gap, Texas, to reclaim her young brothers whom she sent out West on the Orphan Train after their parents died. She plans to reunite her family and make a home for them so they can start a new life together. Reese Cooper takes the Hendricks boys under his temporary guardianship and provides room and board in exchange for good honest work. Even though he still mourns the death of his wife, the two boys inch their way into his battered heart. When their sister comes to claim them, Reese discovers the healing power of love. THE RANCHER'S OUTLAW BRIDE Emily Parker is an outlaw on the run. Dressed as a boy and wounded by a bullet, she seeks shelter from the cold winter's night in Jake Stewart's old barn. Barricading herself in a stall behind a bale of hay, she's ready to shoot anyone who dares enter her temporary sanctuary. When Jake discovers an injured fugitive hiding in his barn, his only thought is to save the young man's life. When he discovers his patient is a lady in disguise, he realizes he's stumbled upon trouble with a capital T. As he nurses Emily back to health, Jake learns the true meaning of love and vows to help her anyway he can . . . even if it means marriage. THE RANCHER'S COMANCHE BRIDE While tracking and hunting game, Cal Jackson discovers a young Comanche woman hiding in his pasture. From the very first moment he sees her, a strong bond is forged between them. Cal has almost given up on finding someone he can love. Has fate brought him this Indian maiden to call his very own? After her tribe is brutally massacred, Yanny runs for her life. Injured, weak and hungry, she welcomes a handsome stranger's offer of help. Accepted into the midst of the loving Jackson family, she slowly heals and recovers from the bloodbath she miraculously survived. But can she survive in the white man's world? Can she win the love of the man who saved her? THE RANCHER'S RELUCTANT BRIDE When Sarah Monroe's abusive husband dies, all she feels is blessed relief. When she inherits her uncle's house in Cactus Gap, she moves to Texas for a chance to start fresh. Happy in her new-found freedom, she swears off men and marriage forever. Until she meets Zach Whitfield. Zach is on a mission to find a bride. From the moment he sees Sarah, he's completely smitten. When tragedy strikes, leaving him guardian of his best friend's young daughter, Zach asks Sarah for help. Can he break down the fortress surrounding her fragile heart? Can he persuade her to become his wife? KEYWORDS: sweet romance, clean romance, inspirational romance, Christian romance, Texas romance, cowboy romance, historical, historical western romance, short story, series romance, anthology, bundle, box set
