Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the romances. From brooding cowboys to sexy ranchers to sheriffs representing the rippling arm of the law, The Lone Star State has a frontier wide enough to holster them all. Welcome to the Texas Born Book Page — born strong; not to be messed with.
After falling unexpectedly pregnant, Daisy Taylor barely had a moment to think. The baby’s father proposed, her parents rushed the wedding, and Daisy fled the altar. She runs away to Last Stand, Texas, to stay with her aunt and arrives in time for a fundraising ball—where her wedding dress blends in—and dances with a handsome stranger. He seems sweet and kind, and when Daisy later secures employment as an assistant at a nearby ranch, she’s pleased to see the man again. But she’s humiliated that he doesn’t recognize her.
The youngest of his siblings, Xander Tomlinson is still uncomfortable with his family’s unexpected lottery win. He prefers a quiet and peaceful life on the ranch caring for creatures in need. When his mother hires an office assistant, Xander is immediately protective of Daisy and her ever-growing belly.
Daisy won’t take charity and Xander struggles to fight his attraction to Daisy who, as an employee, is off-limits. As their friendship teeters on the edge of becoming more and the baby’s father starts making demands, will Xander learn that some things are worth fighting for?
Neither one of them had any intention of settling down…
Tinsley Underhill left everything behind five years ago and hasn’t looked back. She loves life on the road following the American Extreme Bull Rider’s tour representing sponsor Four Wolves Whiskey. She rocks sales and pouring shots, and the bull riders are a sexy perk. She exults in the flirting and the chase, but when she lets her favorite champion catch her for a steamy fling, she knows they both have one foot out the door.
Bull rider Anders Wolf is on top of more than just the leaderboard. Life is good. Women are better, especially the intriguing and gorgeous Tinsley. The fireworks are more explosive than he imagined, but even the best mind- and body-blowing pleasure must end. No way he’ll be roped early…then Tinsley casually announces she’s pregnant. Anders intends to do the right thing, but Tinsley’s plans don’t include him, marriage or happy ever after on his Texas ranch.
Anders has never backed down from a challenge, and he’s not about to start now.
August Wolf is back home on his family’s Texas ranch for good this time, and he has a lot to prove. He’s taken his inherited portion of the ranch as far from the family’s famed longhorn legacy as possible, but a devastating accident throws his plans and his life in jeopardy. August doesn’t have the word ‘quit’ in his vocabulary even when he has to reach out and beg for help from the woman least likely to answer his call – his furious and broken-hearted ex.
Last Stand is the last town winemaker Catalina Clemmens wants to return to, and August Wolf is the last man she wants to see. And work for him? Never. But when an injured August stands before her and begs, Cat sees a chance to finally have some closure on their long, fraught history, the soul searing lust and her love that still burns brightly. She names a price she knows he’ll never pay.
When her dying friend pleads for help to finish a renovation project, Ava Howell can’t refuse, even though her promise means leaving her new career and familiar life in New York to travel to a remote ranch in Texas. She’s good at what she does, and the ghost town vacation resort would look great on her resume, but it means tangling with the ex-military cowboy who is determined to stop her as soon as she arrives.
Beau Paxton needs to sell the land and ghost town to save his family’s struggling ranch. He’s a formidable enemy to Ava’s determination, but the harder she works, the more his attraction for her grows. He doesn’t want to set aside his plans so she can succeed at hers, yet he finds himself doing just that…
Will a promise bring a city girl and a sexy cowboy together? Or will a broken one drive them apart?
April Grayson is the responsible one in her family of wild, barrel racing rodeo stars. After years of keeping her sisters out of trouble, she’s finally earned some time to let loose. She indulges in a one-night stand with the cowboy she crushed on in high school. It’s as hot as it is memorable, but the next day she finds out Cole works for her new accounting client. He’s dead set against having one of the “Wild Grayson Sisters” working on Three Sisters Ranch.
Last Stand rodeo youth director Cole Lockwood loves horses, kids, and cowgirls—not necessarily in that order. Even though his night with April leaves him wanting more, his parents’ medical bills have him working 24/7. He’s tempted to go back to his professional gambling ways and enter a high stakes poker game, but April warns that’s a loser’s bet.
Cole and April strike a deal: she’ll teach him about managing his family’s finances if he helps her overcome her fear of horses and learn how to be a little more reckless. Can this cowboy make a cowgirl out of her?
Former rodeo star June Grayson has hit rock bottom, so she heads home to Last Stand, Texas, and lands a job at the Three Sisters Ranch until she gets back on her feet. Restless and searching for her new normal, June’s determined not to get hurt again, but a sexy cowboy both calls to her wild side and soothes her need to run.
To Esteban Lopez, the Three Sisters Ranch is more than a job. He’s worked hard to help the ranch thrive and in return it has helped him support his family. But when his brother is passed over for a job in favor of a rodeo hotshot—who is also a lifelong crush of his—Esteban struggles with mixed emotions. His attraction makes him feel like a traitor, but he’s never mixed work and play.
One unforgettable night, June and Esteban blur the boundaries, and they’re not sure how to redraw them. She’s only in town temporarily, but he can’t shake the feeling that when she leaves, she’ll take a chunk of his heart with her.
Ten years turned her into a champion and him into a cowboy looking for a fresh start.
Roped in by her sisters, Merry Grayson is home in Last Stand, Texas, for Christmas and a charity event at the Three Sisters Ranch. She’s shocked to run into her bad boy ex-boyfriend. She thought he was still in prison, and if he’d ratted her out all those years ago, she would’ve done time too. Instead, Merry had seized her second chance and made a career in rodeo—trying to forget her rebel past and the boy who stole her heart.
Simon Reynolds is determined to move on. He never regretted protecting Merry when his Robin Hood heist failed. After his father had hung him out to dry, the thought of her warmth and beauty kept him going. Simon knows he needs to let go of his past, but the sparks and chemistry are as volatile as ever and he feels himself being pulled back in.
Christmas is a time for miracles. Is asking Santa for a second chance at love too much?
He never thought he’d have a real family Christmas…
For the past eight years, Bill Smith has been unable to set down roots. But he never forgot the magical night he spent with an auburn-haired beauty in Last Stand, Texas. When she finally tracked him down, he was more than happy to donate a kidney to AJ, the son he never knew he had. But now that AJ is better, Bill wants more time with him and his mother. He wants a family.
Annie Burleson can’t help but be grateful to this almost-stranger for saving AJ’s life. Still, she’s a little wary. AJ has already been through so much—what if Bill leaves again? And with Christmas in full swing, it’s difficult to discern which emotions are festive and which are forever.
As Annie and Bill’s lives collide, their mutual love for AJ makes this more than a marriage of convenience. But is it enough to give them the family Christmas they all deserve?
A Christmas in Last Stand brings unexpected gifts to two very different people…
Detective Sean Highwater may be one of the famous Highwaters, but he has always felt a half-step off because of the way his agile mind works. Only learning to focus has enabled him to not just survive, but thrive.
Elena de la Cova is from a respected and highly regarded founding family, brought up with rather stringent expectations, but right now she is a widow trying to raise a son she doesn’t understand.
If Last Stand had royalty, in Sean’s book it would be elegant Elena. He’s willing to help her son as he had been helped, but being that close to Elena scares him to death since he’s been in awe of her for years. Elena is impressed both with the way Sean gets through to her son, and with his appreciation for the Christmas customs of her culture as much as his own.
Their perceptions of each other shift, but will the passion that strikes between them be enough to overcome their perceptions of themselves?
This former all-star never knew Christmas could be so competitive.
Former baseball star Trey Prentice is happily adjusting to life as a bookstore owner in his hometown of Sweet Ridge, Texas. While he loved his competitive and elite lifestyle in New York, he craved a quiet life with friends and family more. As Christmas approaches, Trey is excited to decorate his newest venture and participate in the town’s holiday traditions. He never expected to find himself battling Sweet Ridge’s very own Miss Christmas. Game on.
The only thing librarian Maggie Watson loves more than books is Christmas. She’s even earned the nickname of Miss Christmas because she decorates shop windows and spreads Christmas cheer around town. But this year she’s got some competition. No way is she going to let the cocky Trey Prentice take away her Christmas crown, even though he makes her heart flutter.
When their verbal sparring turns to flirting, Maggie finds there’s more to life than books and Christmas. But will her past insecurities steal her newfound happiness?
As the oldest brother, cowboy Axel Wolf has always worn the yoke of family responsibility. Seven years ago when he was at the top of his career, he gave it all up to return home to Last Stand, Texas, take over the reins of their massive cattle ranch. But his career wasn’t the only thing he left behind.
Former barrel racer and single mom Cruz Lopez excels at staring down obstacles and winning. A newly certified physician’s assistant, she’s determined to build her career and create a new life for her son just as long as it’s far from one sexy Last Stand cowboy, who once nearly derailed her dreams. Axel was her first and only love, and now she’s struggling to remember all the reasons he’s wrong when he feels so right.
Axel is her past, but she’s starting to hope for a future with him. Can she trust him when it’s not just her heart at risk this time?
Elijah Lane left Whiskey River under a cloud of suspicion about a car theft he didn’t commit. After a stint in the army and years learning the wine industry, he’s back, ready to develop an elite boutique winery. With backing from a Hollywood A-lister, Eli intends to prove that this boy from the wrong side of town has made it big. There’s no one he wants to prove it to more than Rachel Wilson, the high school sweetheart who didn’t believe in his innocence and married someone else practically the minute he left Whiskey River.
Busy running her specialty baking company, widowed Rachel has no interest in romance—even when her first love comes back to town. Though she feels guilty that she didn’t stand behind the boy her mother persuaded her was certain to become a Barrels ne’er-do-well like the father who abandoned them, she has neither the time nor the energy to explore second chances.
Moved by the star-crossed couple’s repressed passion, which is hotter than cinnamon candy and sweeter than sugar icing, a benevolent Christmas ghost, who lives for happy endings, might just be cooking up a delicious new chance for Rachel and Eli.
Two people who don’t believe in Christmas or miracles…
Retired from special forces and back on his family’s Texas ranch, Chance Rafferty’s finally found some peace through creating a foundation to rescue and retrain military K-9s thought to be beyond redemption. He prefers to be left alone with his dogs and his work, but when a woman arrives shortly before Christmas looking for the dog that saved her husband’s life, Chance is astonished at the dog’s—and his own—response to her.
Though it’s been years, Ariel Larson still dreads the Christmas season because it marks the anniversary of her deployed husband’s death. When she learns her husband’s K-9 partner survived combat, Ariel feels she’s been given a lifeline to escape her grief. She suddenly has a sense of purpose she’s been desperately missing. But she never expected the man determined to rehabilitate the traumatized animal would have such a stunning impact on her own life.
Can these two wounded hearts come together to create their own Christmas miracle?
Death denied Felicity a future with the man she loved, but her spirit lingers in the the Harwood House Hotel hoping to heal broken hearts and help them to find love again….
Widowed World War I nurse Audra Donaldson returns from France planning to devote her life to helping those suffering the lingering effects of war—effects she knows all too well, as she suffers from them herself. When, staying at the Harwood House Inn on a Christmas visit to her brother, she hears a man in the throes of a violent nightmare, she goes to him without question—and is stunned by a physical attraction as strong as her desire to help.
About to embrace the beautiful angel come to save him from the horrors of the battlefield, former soldier Drew Harwood recoils when he realizes Audra is real—and has seen his “weakness.” Brusquely rejecting her offer of help, he intends to avoid her. But more than just her beauty continues to draw him back. Though this compassionate, kind, and giving soul has seen more of war than he has, somehow, talking with her brings him peace–and seems to comfort her, too. If he can just resist acting on the desire she’s ignited in him since his first glimpse of her…
But someone else was watching, too. After tragedy denied Felicity a future with Drew, her dying wish was that he live his life and be happy for them both. To her sorrow, a year later, her former fiancé is still struggling. Deciding Audra is the perfect lady to heal the wounds of her beloved, this determined ghost resolves to bring Drew and Audra together. Who can resist a love that lasts beyond time?
Years ago, Harlan Sullivan broke Savannah Taylor‘s heart. Now, he’s back in Whiskey River as the new owner of the local construction company–and Savannah’s new boss. Giving up Savannah was the hardest thing Harlan ever had to do, but it’s way past time to explain why he did. Besides, after fourteen years, they have both moved on. Or so he thinks—until their unexpected meeting at Felicity’s Christmas Ball shocks him into realizing his buried feelings—and secret passion—are very much alive.
As long as she keeps a tight grip over her emotions, Savannah is confident she can weather having her old flame become her new boss. She’s even willing to indulge the desire that time seems to have intensified. But there’s no way she will let Harlan anywhere close to her heart.
Harlan soon realizes he wants more from the sexy, sultry Savannah than a temporary affair and sets out to convince her that this time, their love will last forever. But it will take a bit of Christmas magic from the Harwood Inn ghost to bring this reluctant banker’s daughter and determined Barrels Bad Boy to their happily-ever-after.
To Aggie Harper, every day is Christmas. Even if that means late nights and a non-existent love life to keep her beloved mother’s knitting store that specializes in ugly Christmas sweaters afloat. She loves her small Texas town life and believes she is living her dream until a big city stranger strides through the front door of her store and has her question what she really wants from life.
Since the death of his mother, corporate lawyer Mason Firth lives to work, especially when tinsel adorns storefronts and he can’t escape the aroma of gingerbread. A mysterious unpaid family loan sends him to Last Stand, but instead of discovering any answers he finds himself risking a sugar coma from Christmas baked goods, making barbed wire Christmas wreaths and losing focus whenever around warm hearted Aggie.
Can a woman determined to spread Christmas joy and a man resistant to emotion and all things mistletoe, create their own Christmas miracle?
Bennett Marshall used the heartbreak over losing his first love to catapult his family’s ranching operation into Texas fame. Fifteen years later, the only property left to claim in his valley is the canyon owned by the same woman who broke his heart all those years ago. Then she rides back into town, and taking over her ranch takes a back seat. Claiming her heart is so much more appealing.
Maggie Newman’s late father left her the ranch he kicked her off of when she graduated high school. He wanted more for her, and she made good on that demand. She’s the owner of one of the premier ranching equipment companies in Texas, which means she doesn’t have time to fix the mess he left behind. What’s more, the love from her past is standing on her front porch, upending everything she thought she wanted out of life.
Hearts are on the line this go-round—will Maggie and Bennett discover their passion and drive are the perfect match before they sign away their happiness?
No cowboys allowed. That is Stacy Smith’s motto. Having overcome a rough childhood, she vows to not repeat the same mistakes that her mother made. Writing bestselling romance novels as Sabrina Noelle, she is happy to stay in her ivory tower, creating perfect worlds for her heroes and heroines that keep her busy and her heart whole.
Texas Ranger Davis McKenna handles crisis situations on a regular basis. But when he is stranded in a hotel elevator with a gorgeous woman on the verge of panic, he soon realizes that there’s more at play than just his protective instincts.
Take one determined Texas Ranger and one equally stubborn romance author and there is bound to be a showdown at high noon where desires and hearts are concerned. Can Stacy risk opening her heart to the man who represents everything she never wanted?
Twelve years ago, Kaitlyn Russell had a dream: living happily ever after with Clay Morgan. Except her grandmother had bigger plans for her beloved granddaughter and they didn’t include life in the small town of McKenna Springs as the wife of a young, poor deputy. Kaitlyn’s heart was broken when Clay and her grandmother convinced her to pursue her second love, Broadway stardom.
Texas Ranger Clay Morgan is a widower with a young son to raise. A dozen years before, he had to make the most difficult decision of his life when he agreed to let go of the only woman he’d ever loved so that she could pursue her dreams.
Now, fate and an old woman’s guilty conscience conspire to bring Clay and Kaitlyn back together once more. Will they be able to lay the past to rest and rekindle their love from the ashes?
After a tumultuous childhood, nurse Jamie Westmoreland craves the comfort of predictability. She loves her quiet life in a small Texas ranching town and finally feels in control until a handsome rancher becomes her newest patient. He challenges her at every turn, but Jamie is too stubborn to admit she enjoys their sparring, and that he makes her heart race. But when his charming little cowboy son starts following her around, her long-neglected heart opens.
Thomas Tremayne, the eldest son of a well-respected local ranching family, is both mom and dad to his young son and has no plans to change. When a ranch injury requires an in-house expert, the nurse who called him out on his attitude is sent to help him heal. She’s even harder to resist on his ranch than she was at the hospital, but Thomas is determined to try—except he’s out-numbered. His son decided he wants a mom, and nurse Jamie is his choice.
Can two stubborn adults let down their guard long enough to let love in again?
For the first time, his cowboy charms seem to backfire…
With his Texas ranching family’s lottery win, TC Tomlinson is finally able to build a ranch with alternative livestock. TC has a lot to prove, starting with his new ostrich herd, so when he catches a beauty scooping up an escaped baby bird, TC chases her down, assuming she wants to meet him for his money.
When Hallie Armstrong sees the injured baby ostrich, she jumps into professional mode. A former vet tech, she’s moved to Last Stand to work at her aunt’s wildlife rescue and heal from an attack. She’s skittish of the handsome cowboy, but when he starts to flirt, she decides two can play at this game—the rescue needs fundraising, and TC is an eligible bachelor.
As they brainstorm ideas for a bachelor auction and work to solve the mystery of local sheep attacks, TC finds himself falling for the feisty cowgirl. But when he learns she’s still in danger, his protective instincts threaten to drive Hallie away. Can TC convince Hallie she can have her independence and him too?
The first and only wish on his Christmas List – the One Who Got Away
Macon Draeger has loved Charlotte for as long as he can remember. While he’s thrilled that she’s back in Last Stand, Texas, he suspects she won’t stay long. Charlotte has always had a wandering spirit, with dreams that carry her far from their hometown.
When Charlotte Kraus returns to run her grandmother’s flower shop for the holidays, she never expected to feel so at home and inspired. On a whim, she decides to transform the simple flower shop into a flower cafe. The project quickly spirals out of her control, but Macon, her high school sweet heart – a skilled and in demand handy man – steps in to help. Was he this tall, dark, handsome and tempting when they were teens? Charlotte is wondering about a lot of things by the time they ring in the New Year.
Spending time with Charlotte reminds Macon of what he truly wants in life – love and a family of his own. Can he gain his heart’s desire this Christmas?
Ethan Thompson has been a part of the Martin family since he was a troubled teen and Susannah Martin saved him. He’s always done everything in his power to help the Martins, especially oldest daughter Penelope. But he’s always made sure to keep himself just separate enough to safeguard his heart against the straight-talking beauty.
Pen Martin-Wakefield moved home to Last Stand, Texas, with her three girls hoping it would give them all a fresh start after her husband’s tragic death. She’s ready to move on, and as she deals with the stresses of a holiday season and a broken arm, she realizes Ethan is always the one she’s leaned on.
Ethan’s determined to resist Pen and her girls. He’s got too many secrets and scars to be any good for them, but as a Christmas in Last Stand works its magic, Ethan begins to find out just how tenacious Pen is and how lonely his heart has been.
Her thermostat was set to frosty, until her Christmas cowboy cranks up the heat
Ashley Hughes would love to cancel Christmas this year. Instead of holiday plans, she’s back in her Texas hometown planning her twin sister’s wedding — to her ex! Nothing like small town speculation to make her life cheery and bright. No one believes that she’s over the groom, until a certain cowboy secret crush steps in to be her plus one. Ashley’s tried to friend zone Jennings since high school, because she’s always known kissing the casual charmer would lead to a love she’d never forget.
Jennings Hill would be the first to admit that his feelings for his ex-best friend are more likely to land him on the naughty list. When he sees Ashley again, he only wants to help but then a rumor links them romantically and that’s when their lives get complicated.
The more time they spend together, the more Jennings worries she’s not over her ex, but Ashley starts wishing Jennings was her present wrapped under the Christmas tree.
Sarina Gabriel recently inherited a Victorian money-pit of a mansion. Logic dictates that she sell it, but, still grieving her grandmother’s death, she longs to keep something from her mysterious past. As she explores the house, she discovers some family secrets that just might put the historic mansion on the Hill Country map and give Sarina the roots she’s always wanted. But can she trust Drake Dunmore who promises to help her restore the mansion to its former glory, or will he break her trust and her heart?
Drake Dunmore knows a good deal in houses, and in women. He wants to buy Sarina’s historic mansion and develop the property. Confident, he sets out to charm and persuade the beautiful new owner, Sarina, to sell it to him. Funny thing happens. He falls for Sarina and volunteers to help her restore the mansion and discover her heritage. His father and his ex-girlfriend stand in their way. Can he prove to Sarina that he has her best interests at heart?
College professor Mallory Fredrick loves her job in a city that feels like home, but after a student attacks her on social media, she loses her peace of mind and confidence. When her college offers a sabbatical, she jumps at the chance to escape to her hometown in Texas.
Entrepreneur Alec O’Donnell specializes in helping people in crisis. He’s built his company and career on packing up lives as people start over. It’s just business until he meets Mallory. Something about the beautiful and fragile woman who still manages to hold on to her sense of humor affects him. As feelings develop, he realizes he’s not ready for her to move out of his life.
Can Mallory find peace, or will a second setback keep her from coming home for good?
When barbecue food truck owner Holt Collins caters a wedding at the romantic wedding venue Falling Blossoms, he meets a woman who throws him for a loop. She may be gorgeous, but they clash immediately. He did however love the venue and makes an appointment to show it to his fiancée, only to receive a break-up text.
Devastated, Holt spends a few days trying to figure out what went wrong and what to do next. He decides to grab a bite at a local cafe, unaware that it is owned by Kayla Burton. After telling Kayla he’s no longer engaged, he later finds her kitchen in crisis and Kayla desperate for help, but unwilling to ask. He steps in and saves the day, but she hates giving up control of her kitchen, much less her heart. She’s attracted, but he’s just been jilted. Is this a rebound fling or fate working its magic?
Can a cupcake café owner find true love with Mr. Hot Holt Barbecue?
Luke Claiborne is back in Last Stand, Texas, after a combat injury ends his career as a military K9 handler. Without his working dog by his side, he’s lost his purpose – until he meets a sexy wildlife rehabber who seems determined to save every animal in town. When she puts her own life at risk in the process, it’s clear to Luke that she’s the one who needs rescuing. Before long, his new mission is to show her how perfect they could be together.
Jorie Russell has loved Luke since she was an awkward teenager, but she knows he’s out of her league. She grew up on the wrong side of town, and has spent her whole life trying to prove she’s not like her reckless, irresponsible mother. Luke might act tough, but she can see he is suffering and she’s determined to help him heal. But then a shadow from her past threatens their future.
Can she finally get the happily-ever-after she’s always longed for?
Hudson Granger’s family has been estranged since he was a boy. Sixteen years later, not much is different. Or so he thought. After an eighteen-month deployment, he arrives home to his family’s Texas ranch and is shocked by how much life has changed. His brothers are mending fences and have found love. Their father is slowly recovering from a massive heart attack. The kick to Hudson’s chest—learning he has an infant daughter.
Nurse Avery Collins never planned on telling Hudson their vacation fling had resulted in a child. He’d made it clear he wasn’t looking for anything serious, and after her dad ran out on her and her family, she didn’t want to rely on a man for anything. But when her daughter has a serious health scare, Avery’s hand is forced.
Despite their sizzling attraction, Avery is determined to keep Hudson at arm’s length, co-parenting only. But Hudson wants everything—a wife and a family. And he’s determined to get it.
Ryker Granger can’t believe his luck when he meets a beautiful woman stranded on the side of the road outside of Last Stand, Texas. Normally this rancher and part-time mechanic would be too reserved to jump into a relationship, especially since his family is still reeling from questions surrounding their father’s heart attack. But his life’s a tangled mess and Shannon is a welcome distraction.
Shannon Smith set out to meet Ryker Granger. Her staged car breakdown was only the beginning of her plan. Meeting Ryker is her chance to right the wrongs his father inflicted on her family. Her plan skews wildly off course—she only meant to score a date, not fall in love. And Ryker’s a straight arrow; he’ll never forgive such blatant deception. But how can she walk away from the man who has claimed her heart?
As Ryker solves the mystery around his father and learns why Shannon came to Last Stand, he faces his toughest choice yet. Forgive a lie or lose the woman he loves forever?
She’s back in his life… and this time he’s not letting go.
Gage Granger knew back in high school that his friend and secret crush was desperate to get out of Last Stand, Texas. But with his roots running deep into the Hill Country soil of his family’s ranch, he couldn’t leave and so made the tough decision to let her go.
When Faith Stone runs into Gage in a San Antonio bar, she’s had just enough to drink to act on feelings that haven’t cooled in six years. And enough sense to flee the morning after. Yet almost twelve weeks later she’s back in her hometown and despite her life-altering news, her plan’s the same—leave Last Stand and its painful memories behind. Faith will never be anyone’s burden or responsibility again.
For Gage, Faith has always been the one. But he’ll have an uphill battle to convince her his heart is true.
When Dallas Granger left his family’s Last Stand, Texas, ranch, he hadn’t planned on returning. But when a medical emergency calls him home and a legal matter affects his business, suddenly his family isn’t the only thing in need of a re-build. Unfortunately his new project involves building a house for a woman who not only awakens his desires, but also his fears. But if he wants to claim her as his own, he’ll have to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart.
Single mom Ashley Anderson knows all about juggling. Between an assortment of part-time jobs and raising her sixteen-year old daughter, she doesn’t need a hunky construction worker with an attitude as a distraction. Even one who steps in to help her when she needs it most. But life has taught Ashley that when the going gets tough, she’s on her own. It’s going to take a man with a Texas-sized heart to show her that this cowboy isn’t going anywhere.
She’s trading in city life for open air and wide-open spaces
Kara Montgomery didn’t plan on being a runaway bride but even years of bowing to her parents’ expectations can’t bring her to marry a man she doesn’t love. Choosing to take her planned vacation doing things she’s always dreamed of, Kara heads to the closest rodeo.
Finding a woman in his stock trailer isn’t uncommon for tie-down roper Cam Granger. Finding one holding a wedding dress is. When Cam learns of Kara’s desire to experience life on a ranch, he does something he’s never done before; he takes a woman home.
Working with Cam feeds her soul in the way her career never did; Kara feels like she truly belongs.
Hot kisses and passionate lovemaking dispel the doubts crowding in Cam’s head, but, when their worlds collide, he wonders if a woman of her class and means could ever be happy with a cowboy. While Cam fears tying Kara down might not be a possibility after all, Kara is faced with a heart-wrenching ultimatum that is sure to leave her shattered.
Sometimes the line between love and hate is blurry…
Cody Rafferty and Britt Roth may have grown up on adjacent Hill Country ranches, but they’ve always been oil and water. Britt knows it’s because Cody’s a tech nerd who doesn’t get the ranch life she loves. Cody knows it’s because Britt’s a single-minded cowgirl, who lives to complain about the technology he loves. Their families claim it’s because they were born within minutes of each other.
They’ve declared one truce in their lives—when Cody’s father was KIA overseas. Neither of them expected there would be another, but when Cody suspects a crash of his test drone spooked Britt’s champion barrel racing horse, endangering her life and future, he calls a second truce. Prodded by guilt, he steps up to take care of Britt and her beloved horse. Britt balks, but Cody’s hard to refuse even for a tough cowgirl. Forced together, they learn surprising things about each other neither ever knew.
Can these two lifetime adversaries learn to get along, especially when they realize that the sparks that fly between them aren’t fueled only by anger?
He rides a Harley and she likes long walks, but the chemistry between them is electric
Ryne Kilpatrick was once in love, and he thought it was forever. But tragedy struck, and he’s sure he’ll never love again. He’s become a bit of a lone wolf and a player, preferring to casually flirt then walk away.
When the sexy bad boy starts building a cabin next to her boutique in Blossom, Texas, Mona Perez finds it too close for comfort. The attraction sizzles, but she needs to keep her distance as she no longer trusts romance after her parent’s marriage imploded. Mona’s shocked to learn that her mom and dad still love each other, but her mom feels like she can’t recommit because Mona needs her. So Mona plays cupid and comes up with the perfect plan to prove she’s emotionally moved on—she’ll ask Ryne to be her pretend boyfriend.
Mona’s confident she won’t lose her heart, but her pretend boyfriend starts to seem like the real deal. Should she keep up the charade or follow her heart?
She plans to open his mind. Instead he uncorks her heart.
Tyler Prentice is determined to launch his new winery with a sophisticated and delicious splash. He has a lot riding on this venture—pride, his dreams and all his savings. To ensure the success of his launch, he hires a top marketing firm. But Gianna Lucchia and her marketing plan is not what he expected or wants. Still, he can’t stop thinking about her.
Losing a major advertising account is devastating. Having to travel to Nowhere, Texas, to prove she can still create a successful branding campaign is even worse. But Gianna’s no quitter. Her plan is simple—get in, create buzz, return home. Except her presentation crashes and burns. Tyler’s ideas are different from hers and he wants something else. Her.
Working together on the launch invigorates more than Gianna’s creativity. Tyler is sexy, smart and challenges her on so many levels, but Gianna’s past threatens to destroy it all. Can Tyler let go of his pride and make an even bigger gamble…on love?
Life in a small town has always suited Paige Fredrick. She loves going to work near the courthouse square and riding her bike nearly anywhere she chooses. But after her divorce, she can hear her neighbors’ whispers and the gossip mill churning.
Everett Mullins has worries of his own as he finds himself back in his hometown, providing temporary care to his ailing mother while trying to run their family farm. A chance meeting reunites him with Paige, his crush from high school. But when he discovers her little white lie, he questions what they’ve started building.
As Paige makes a new life, can she find direction with Everett? Or has too much damage already been done to navigate a romantic relationship built on a lie?
He’s always left small towns and women in his rearview mirror… until he meets her
NASCAR driver Finn Delaney has cultivated a bad boy image and rakish charm that has served him well on the track and with the media. But now sidelined by a wreck that may have ended his career, Finn feels lost and vulnerable. A quick hook up with sexy military hero Lancey Maverick seems like a perfect opportunity to press his reset button and regain his mojo.
Finn lights more than a spark with his sexy smile and arrogant confidence, but Lancey’s had her fill of boy-men who don’t take life or their responsibilities seriously. She’s only in town to settle her brother’s affairs. A hook up with Finn, no matter how hot, is ill advised. But Lancey’s never played it safe.
Both Finn and Lancey are at a career and life crossroads. A summer fling looks like it could lead to something more, but can Finn learn to stay when life gets hard, and can Lancey learn to trust and accept the feelings of a man who lives in the fast lane?
He’s home to recover …and rekindle a romance with his first love
After a hitting streak propels him onto a major league roster, Nate Ramsey lands on the injured list. The one bright spot in a frustrating summer is returning home to Last Stand, Texas – until he’s tasked with confronting Keely Harper, an old flame whose business is running roughshod over his grandfather’s farm. Nate accepted it when she ended things five years ago, but he won’t overlook a slight to the rest of the Ramseys. What game is she playing?
Keely has always carried the weight of responsibility for her dysfunctional family, so she can’t regret the way she ended things with Nate. Cutting him loose to pursue his dreams was the kindest thing she could have done for a man with talent to take him far beyond Last Stand. Except now he’s back, and the fireworks between them haven’t faded a bit. If she gives into the temptation of a kiss, will she be able to let him go again once his injury heals and baseball wants him back?
Graham McBride is a cardiothoracic surgeon and the eldest of the McBride siblings. Dedicated, hardworking, traditional, and oh, yeah, hot. But Graham married young and divorced, and is now convinced no woman will tolerate his dedication to his career. When he meets Bella Benson at a party he’s immediately attracted to her, probably because she’s totally different from any woman he’s ever dated.
…but can they stay together?
Bella owns one of the local hair salons. She’s young, hardworking, successful and unconventional. And to Graham there’s no denying that, from the tips of her rainbow-colored hair to the soles of her fancy turquoise cowboy boots, Bella Benson is smokin’.
Bella is no more interested in getting serious than Graham. After all, other than a sizzling physical attraction, they don’t have a lot in common. But oh, that sizzle! Irresistible right? So they jump into the fire, both confident they can keep their emotions in check. Love and passion rarely stick with a plan, and while Graham has expertise in repairing hearts, he is disastrously clueless figuring out his own. Can he prove to Bella that he’s worth the risk?
When strong, independent cowgirl Jessie McBride meets former Green Beret Asher Chapman while doing PT for her broken leg, the two share an instant bond. Jessie rescues and raises mustangs, while Asher established and runs a foundation that matches veterans with shelter animals. The immediate, fiery physical connection between them is even stronger.
A conflict born in hell
Unlike the girlfriend who left him after discovering the full extent of his injuries, Asher knows Jessie can handle his physical wounds. But he doesn’t believe any woman could handle the secret he can’t even face himself. Much as he wants her…and is becoming convinced he loves her, he can’t risk disclosing what haunts him.
Jessie can’t understand why Asher emotionally pulls her close only to push her away again. Can this wounded warrior learn to trust Jessie to love all of him before he drives her away for good?
Devlin Braxton never thought he’d test those words and return to Braxton, Texas – the town where generations of his family had ranched honorably. Not him. As an undercover agent who spent years infiltrating the underbelly of a drug cartel with a local pipeline, everyone thought he was the devil-may-care, good-for-nothing, playboy he pretended – even his family. After the massive bust and the shoot out that nearly killed him, Devlin is ready to discover who he is and where he belongs.
Marissa Flanagan has fought for her place in Braxton. First she had to live down the pity and gossip when she was jilted by her fiance, then prove her professional worth when the town’s beloved – and male – vet retired. She’s finally made her peace or so she thinks until Devlin Braxton shows up at her door with a proposition.
They have a past, will Devlin’s blue eyes and pulse-stopping kisses convince her he’s changed and that they might have a future?
Brock Paxton’s love life is suffering, and there’s no woman around who can cure him—until a raven-haired beauty in stilettos drives into town to help at his family’s vacation resort. Her questions stir his suspicions and his instincts insist there’s more to her than she lets anyone see. So why does he still want her more than he should?
Facing false allegations back home in New York City, Lucienne Dunn has only one hope left to save herself: asking her father for help. Though his ruthless solution goes against everything she’s ever believed in, she must go along with his plan, even if it means clashing with a sexy, ex-military cowboy…
But the Paxtons refuse to sell, and there’s danger brewing on the ranch. Everything in Lucienne’s life is falling apart. How can she live without Brock when it does?
When Amelia Corbyn was a vulnerable teen, she found out she wasn’t a Corbyn by blood. Her biological father was a legendary country singer who wanted nothing to do with her. Hurt and confused, Amelia fled Last Stand Texas for a modeling career in New York. She left behind her high school boyfriend and family who had kept too many secrets. Years later Amelia’s back in Last Stand, retired from modeling and determined to care for her aging parents. She’s not expecting to see the one man she loved and couldn’t forget. Even worse, the spark is still there just waiting to burst into a flame.
Former pro-football player Cal Delaney returns to Last Stand to raise his sister’s toddler after a car accident claims her life along with her husband. His feelings for Amelia seem stronger than ever, but he has secrets and responsibilities; and Amelia has already proved to him that when things get tough, she skips town.
Can Cal forgive their past so that he and his first love can have a future?
Whiskey River businessman Zack Banister has had his eye on Laurel Lewis for years, even though she’s always been off-limits. The timing has never been right between them, but now that they’re both free, Zack is determined to convince Laurel that he’s the perfect man for her.
The last thing Laurel needs is a white knight. She’s a single mom and knows she can only rely on herself. But the thought of a fling with Zack is a different matter—and far too tempting to resist.
Then reality crashes in and Laurel faces hard decisions. And Zack will do anything to convince her to take a risk on him for their happy ever after.
Colt Vance owes everything he is to the Martin family, which is why he’s stayed far, far away for years. But now that Fritz Martin has asked him a favor, he’s back in Last Stand facing the one temptation he can’t ever give into: his mentor’s middle daughter.
Sadie Martin doesn’t like Colt Vance, or so she’s told herself for years. He’s far too charming and has her father wrapped around his finger. But Sadie doesn’t have a choice except to work with Colt to save her beloved goat farm.
Working together tests Colt’s resolve when it comes to his attraction to Sadie, and Sadie comes to realize she doesn’t just enjoy Colt’s company, she craves it. But Colt can’t break the promise he made to Fritz years ago. Can one tenacious farm girl convince this stubborn cowboy love is always the answer to any problem?
Nurse Dee McNamara knew heartbreak and tragedy. She’s a survivor but has built high walls to protect her heart. She takes care of everyone but herself, yet never imagined finding another man she’d be able to trust until one day she offered a ride to a tall, darkly handsome cowboy whose eyes hold the same pain and mistrust.
Rio Montez is a man with secrets, and he arrives at Braxton Ranch on a mission to find answers about his father. He thinks the truth will finally give him the peace to finally move on. He never counted on finding the woman who offered answers to his questions.
Rio’s always had a plan until now. Does he leave Braxton Ranch or stay and build a life he never dreamed possible with a woman he’s afraid he’s falling hard for?
Jedidiah Walker has spent years embracing danger as an undercover agent for a secret government agency, but she barely escapes with her life when a mission goes south. Her fiancé and long-time partner isn’t so lucky. Burned out and grieving, Jedidiah returns home to Whiskey River intending to create a new, perfectly boring life. A job with app designer Trevor Holt is a dream. She can use her computer skills without death looming, and nothing says “safe” more than a computer geek.
Not exactly. Trevor may design apps, but he’s also tatted, muscular, and rides with a motorcycle club that provides support to exploited children. While sparks sizzle between them, Trevor’s conscious that as her employer, any romantic moves need to come from her.
Jedidiah falls hard for her sexy boss, but she senses he has a dangerous side that is beyond tempting—and precisely what she’s determined to avoid. Can Trevor convince her that what they have is worth the risk?
It’s time he sees her as the perfect woman for him
Jessie Montero has had it bad for Holt Claiborne for as long as she can remember. She just wishes he would see her as something more than the girl who serves up his favorite carne asada at Rosa’s Cantina, the restaurant she helps her family run. When her grandmother, Rosa-Maria, retires, Jessie steps in to take over the duties of housekeeper and cook at the Claiborne ranch. For her, working in such close proximity to Holt is both heaven and hell.
After a messy divorce, Holt Claiborne has thrown himself into working the family ranch. He has no time or desire for a wife, especially when most women seem to look at him as a handsome paycheck. So when the temporary housekeeper starts tempting him with every look, there’s only one thing to do – get her into his bed and out of his system. He’s not about to forget what he lost before and can’t afford to lose again…his heart.
Too bad Jessie isn’t about to take no for an answer…
He thought he was in control until she snuck into his heart…
Carter Hill walked away from a perfectly fine life and relationship…all for a career she’s chased since she was fourteen. Years and a PhD later, she loves her job as a water rights consultant. At the same time, now that all her brothers are happily married, she’s lonely and wanting more. But the only man in her life is Logan – super serious, no sense of humor, and friend-zoned. Or is he? Perhaps a sexy, no-strings affair with a man more driven than she is could help her move on.
Logan Cartez doesn’t date, do relationships, or worry about commitment. He’s married to his job – making sure what destroyed his family ranch and their legacy doesn’t happen to others. When Carter propositions him, what began as a passionate and unforgettable night soon develops into more. Logan finds himself doing things he swore he never would, and the feisty, brilliant, blue-eyed rancher’s daughter has him thinking about so much more than work.
Kane Highwater has been on the run for over a dozen years, since he was sixteen. And every step of the way he’s carried the weight of what happened the day he left Last Stand. He’d reacted in fear and anger, and it had cost him everything.
He stirs her heart in a way she never imagined…
Lark Leclair admires the Highwater clan for many things, including how they’ve never stopped searching for their missing brother. As a former Child Protective Services worker, she understands better than most why he’d run. But when she spots Kane in a crowd at a national reining competition where her friend — his sister — is competing, it will take all of her experience, compassion and instincts to convince him to stay.
Their attraction is immediate, but Kane is certain he can never regain his place in his legendary family. Can Lark convince him that with her by his side, it’s not too late for a fresh start?
Slater Highwater had his own reasons for coming home to Last Stand, Texas. And if anyone wants to know why a guy with a philosophy degree from an Ivy League school was now running the historic Last Stand Saloon, he has a stack of ready answers, none of which are the complete truth.
But Joey Douglas never asked that question. Perhaps because she and Slater are always carrying on conversations no one else can even keep up with. Or perhaps because she suspects she knows why he came home: her glamorous and calculating older sister had broken his heart.
That sister seems an insurmountable barrier between Joey and the man she’s longed for from the first time she’d ever seen him. Because Joey will never, ever settle for being a consolation prize, no matter how much she loves him.
The question is, can Slater convince her she’s the real love of his life?
Annabelle Castle is a rebel without a cause…until her stepsister, the head of the glamorous Castle Department store, offers her the chance of a lifetime. Too bad the opportunity to finally play a role in the Castle’s future comes with strings attached—the man who gets under her skin.
Former cop Johnny Darrow is head of security for the Texas-based Castles. He excels at his job and nothing gets to him…except Annabelle. Even as he dragged Annabelle out of many public relations disasters with the paparazzi, he knew there was so much more to her than the headline-grabbing, rich girl. Now that she’s matured and determined to turn over a new leaf, he finds her irresistible. She’s smart, creative, and makes him feel things he hasn’t after a personal tragedy.
When Johnny’s assigned a job as Annabelle’s bodyguard, he must push his feelings aside. Can Johnny keep his focus to protect Annabelle or will his feelings for her put everything at risk?
Cowgirl Sage Highwater had some tough times growing up: she was the only girl in a family of five, and the youngest to boot. She lost her amazing father and her closest sibling on the same day. And two years later, the boy she loved down to her soul left her behind without a word.
Growing up, Scott Parrish had been the talk of Last Stand, Texas, and never in a good way. At odds with his family, he’d constantly courted trouble. No one seemed to care or understand him, except Sage. At seventeen he’d been given a chance to make something of his life. He’d seized it, but at the expense of leaving the girl he loved. Ten years later he’s back, but not to stay.
Is a few days enough for even a determined cowgirl to convince the bad boy-turned-hero to finally give their love a chance in the hometown he’s hated for years?
The last thing honorable Sheriff Jack Walker needs is a blast from the past, but that’s exactly what he gets when his high school love, now sexy lingerie designer, Jillian Lane arrives on his doorstep needing his help and protection.
Jillian is desperate to save her company, Barely There and turning to Jack Walker, the town hero, is her only option. The trouble she left behind in California has followed her home, leaving Jack no choice but to protect her. Unwittingly, Jillian’s put everything Jack has ever wanted in life at risk.
The years have not made it easier for Jack to say no to his first love, but saying yes may threaten all he holds dear. Jack may have a solution: marriage–the temporary kind. And how can a girl from the wrong side of the tracks refuse a marriage proposal from her one-time love?
Independent contractor Garrett Brown hopes to survive Christmas in Last Stand, Texas, without too much fuss. Not interested in the rancher lifestyle, he plans to flip the house he inherited on Cottonwood Ranch and move onto his next project. Little Cody, the nephew he’s raising, needs stability, and he’s got a home waiting for them in California. The last thing Garrett needs is to become attached to anyone—or any place—or to get involved with silly Christmas festivities.
Kindergarten teacher Nicole Russell adores Christmas and is counting on the holiday to get her through her recent at-the-altar break up. Tired of pitying looks from the townsfolk, she decides to chair the Honeysuckle Holiday Fundraiser. When she reaches out to the new owner of Cottonwood Ranch, the perfect venue site, she expects cooperation, not stonewalling. Undeterred, Nicole makes her case with persuasive arguments that the too-handsome stranger in town cannot dodge and they strike a bargain.
Nicole and Garrett are at odds, but their holiday pact and the power of Christmas may change both of their lives forever.
Shandi Flanagan has lived in Paxton Springs, Texas, her whole life. When the bar and grill she’s been working at since high school comes up for sale, she vows to find the money to buy it. But when her house goes up in flames, so do her entrepreneurial dreams. The only good thing to come of it? Being rescued by the hottest cowboy around, Jace Paxton.
Jace has his hands full finding a way to grow his family’s vacation resort and tracking down the rustlers who stole his new herd of calves. At least being able to save Shandi, the town’s favorite sweetheart, goes right. She needs a place to stay, and there’s plenty of room on the Blackstone Ranch.
But he needs the bar and grill as much as she does. And while he’s a formidable competitor…she’s not. How can he take away her dream and future? How could she love him if he did?
Billionaire inventor Levi Chapman prefers his old friends and his small Texas hometown to nightlife on the celebrity circuit. Only one woman ever touched his heart—architect Dana DeLong. But despite the passion between them, Dana’s drive to succeed at her job in the city, a place that drains his soul, broke them apart. After Dana returns to Whiskey River for a project, they manage to avoid each other. But when Levi’s Green Beret brother is injured in combat, Levi’s need to care for him compels him to turn to Dana.
She broke his heart
A job remodeling Devil’s Rock airport lures Dana DeLong back to Whiskey River, home of the lover she never got over. Though they mutually decided to remain apart, when Levi asks her to tap her specialty, designing accessible housing, to help his disabled veteran brother, she can’t refuse. Passion still burns bright between them and soon they succumb to their desires.
Life has changed them both, but is the love they share now enough to overcome the differences that drove them apart?
He thought he was content, until she walked in the door…
Keller Rafferty abandoned his dreams long ago to help his mom raise his brothers after his father’s death. Duty, family and deep roots still guide him as he runs his family’s Texas cattle ranch and cares for his new, grieving foster son. They’re just beginning to find a balance when a beautiful and determined woman arrives on the ranch.
Sydney Brock spent her entire globe-trotting life thinking she had no family except her ne’er do well, nomadic, irresponsible parents. When she discovers her parents lied and she has a newly-orphaned cousin, Sydney rushes halfway around the world to provide the teen with something she never had—a home. She’s shocked to be thwarted by a protective—and sexy—cowboy.
Sydney’s determined to form a relationship with her cousin, but Keller doesn’t trust that the worldly woman will stay in small town Texas. It’s up to Sydney to prove him wrong, and the longer she spends time with Keller, his family and her cousin, the more she vows to do just that.
Quinn LaFayette is in her inaugural year as library special programs director of Last Stand, but when the kickoff performance for the children’s summer program goes terribly wrong, she has to save face as well as her job. She has a surprise advocate in Cole, whom she did her best to ignore in school. Seven years has only made Cole more appealing, but Quinn is determined to resist the sparks that fly between them because they are too different.
Restaurant owner Cole Hutchinson is no bookworm, but thanks to his fast-thinking antics, he ends up saving the day at the library and earning Quinn’s praise in the process. He’s tempted to seek more, but he’s juggling plenty of female attention from gracing the June edition of Modern Texas magazine featuring barbeque. Cole’s not interested in revisiting a woman from his past, but there’s something about Quinn that he can’t quite ignore.
Will she be the secret ingredient to his happiness?
Valerie Perry has just inherited her grandmother’s home in Last Stand, Texas, a far cry in the country from her city life as an organic grocery buyer in San Antonio. Her methodical daily routine suits her just fine, so she aims to freshen up the property, sell it, and take her funds back to the city. She’s only got two weeks during her vacation to make this happen. Now is the time to cash in and get out.
The oldest Hutchinson son, who people around town know as “Hutch,” is a third generation local who is poised to take over the family business with his brother, Cole. The barbeque brothers have very different ideas about the future of their restaurant, “The Hut.” Just when he thought his biggest headache was his job, Hutch meets Valerie and both their worlds are upended. He’s drawn to this fish out of water, but Valerie’s time in Last Stand has an expiration date.
Their sweet and saucy styles don’t mix, but can they both find the recipe to a happy future?
Rylan Rafferty was a cowboy long before interest in his leatherworking artistry and saddle making for the rich and famous catapulted him to national fame. He values his privacy, so when a popular Texas magazine wants to feature him, his first inclination is to run. His military father who died in combat when Rylan was a teen was the artist, not him. But then he meets the photographer, and Rylan suddenly no longer wants to bury himself in his work.
Kaitlyn Miller values three things above all else—the memory of her father, her photography, and the mentor who first handed her a camera. Her beautiful but flawed mother may have chipped away at her self-esteem as a child, but Kaitlyn has confidence in her work. So she’s thrilled to be back home in Texas for her first big break—a photo shoot of a local Last Stand artist.
When plain Kaitlyn collides with gorgeous Rylan, unexpected sparks fly. But can he convince her that her generous heart and artist’s eye make her more than beautiful to him?
Avery Burton loves her job as assistant to Logan Calloway. A big time Hollywood A-lister, Logan spends all his time on the West Coast leaving her to run his charity in Whiskey River. Staying busy and giving back to the community that is the only real family she’s ever known suits Avery just fine…until Logan announces he’s coming home for Christmas.
Ever since his mother abandoned him as a young boy, Whiskey River hasn’t felt like home to Logan Calloway. Still, he heads home for the holidays, intending to reflect on his career and personal life. When he sees his assistant Avery in his home, Logan begins to realize that Whiskey River has more to offer than just bad memories.
As Logan and Avery spend more time together working for the charity, it becomes impossible to deny their chemistry and attraction.
She’s been fooled before by sweet words and hot kisses
Kelly Turner loves being a florist, and being asked to take the lead on the new site for the town’s festival is an honor. If only she didn’t have to work closely with the town player, Tate Prentice. After being burned once by a serial cheater, her inconvenient attraction toward Tate needs to be nipped in the bud.
Tate Prentice’s focus is on ensuring his father recovers fully from his stroke and making sure the family’s peach farm continues to thrive. When his brother nominates the farm to be the satellite site for the festival, he’s less than impressed. The only good thing is he’ll be working with Kelly – even though he knows she’ll never give him a second glance, not with his reputation.
The more time Kelly spends with Tate, the more she sees the man behind the reputation. Can she trust her instincts, or will her heart be broken once again?
Taylor Preston never breaks a promise, especially to her dying mother about following her dreams to become a successful New York bridal gown designer. But when Taylor unexpectedly loses her high-profile job, she returns early to Last Stand, Texas where she happily spent childhood summers, to help with her cousin’s wedding. On Taylor’s first day back, the boy she left behind twelve years ago comes to her rescue and her sleeping heart inconveniently reawakens.
All during their youth, Ryan “Coop” Cooper played Taylor’s “promise game,” and they never once broke a promise to each other, but that was years ago, and Coop, now an established contractor, isn’t the same person. Building a wedding gift she-shed brings Coop closer to Taylor. They recall their promises – silly and solemn – and realize the spark could easily once again flame.
But Taylor’s life is far away and Coop, a single father, won’t risk his heart or his daughter’s again…
When Dr. Tobi Robinson returns to Whiskey River, Travis Sullivan is the only person to recognize that the smokin’ hot babe at the gala is actually his high school tomboy buddy. Time away has changed them both. Tobi, the prospective business major, became a doctor, while Travis, his pro baseball career ended by injury, converted his passion for flying into a charter flight business and flight school.
The easy friendship they enjoyed in high school soon deepens into desire and then love. But Tobi didn’t turn to medicine by chance—a horrific accident has left her unable to tolerate even approaching an airplane. As strongly as Travis draws her, Tobi isn’t sure she can ever trust her heart to a pilot. Can Travis convince the woman he’s discovered he can’t live without that their love can conquer every trauma?
Red Aldean has his sights set on his longtime friend, Emma, who seems more interested in her regency romances than dating. A renowned river, adventure and fishing guide, Red is no stranger to a challenge. With his heart on the line, he turns to his trusty Texas guide to fishing—all he needs is patience, a plan and the perfect bait.
Last Stand librarian Emma Corbyn prefers to find her romance in books. It’s much safer. While she’s not set on perfection, she needs honesty. When larger-than-life Red Aldean starts wooing her, Emma can’t help but let her guard down. And even this bookworm can’t ignore the sizzle that ignites when he’s near.
Emma feels like she can trust Red with her heart, until she learns he’s keeping secrets. Does Red need a better lure to reel in the prize of his life?
Falling out of love with Colby Ryan wasn’t working…
There hasn’t been a woman who’s held Colby Ryan‘s heart for long, not since his teenage love went awry twelve years ago. Now, all of a sudden, Dakota Jennings, his longtime family friend and trusted wrangler on the Circle R ranch, is catching his eye. For Dakota’s sake, Colby won’t ever give in to the temptation she poses.
Dakota has been secretly in love with Colby since the age of ten, but his sense of honor and the Texas code he lives by won’t allow her permanence in his heart. Up until this point, he’d never hinted at romance between them and yet, falling out of love with him just plain isn’t working.
Colby has always protected Dakota, and he isn’t about to stop now. If he gives in to his desire, she stands to lose far too much. Colby doesn’t deserve her love, he’s already ruined one life, but the binds that tie them are strong. Can Dakota be the woman to redeem his broken soul?
Rusty Walker has spent her entire life trying to earn her tough, ranching father’s respect and approval by learning the business inside and out. But now her uncompromising parent has decreed she must marry if she wants to inherit. Worse, her husband has to be someone who can help her run the business. As if she needs it!
Williams Hill kissed Rusty in a bar in an act of temporary insanity, and lost his heart to her on the spot. Despite the complications to his own rodeo stock business, he agrees to marry the feisty red-head, hoping to woo her once they’re hitched. But she only views him with suspicion and resentment.
Can this soft-spoken Texas cowboy convince his proud wife, who’s never known unconditional love, that she is everything he wants?
After making a serious misjudgment about the man she was about to marry, Cara escaped to the one place she always felt safe–her family’s ranch. She wants to evade the paparazzi and hide her near disastrous mistake from her family, while she tries to figure out what’s next.
In need of peace after a tumultuous year supervising the building of Castle’s first technology store, Aidan Castle escapes to the Double L Ranch. When he enters the den, he’s shocked to find a woman sleeping in a wedding dress. Worse, he recognizes her as the beautiful socialite he kissed at Castle’s costume ball. He’d felt that night was special and when Cara left, he’d lost a little piece of his heart.
Cara has no place to go, and Aidan’s not sure he wants to kick her out. When a winter storm traps them in, their attraction and bond become undeniable. Cara opens up and Aidan can’t resist playing white knight and offering to scrub all details of her secret love life to save grace with her powerful brother. But then, he discovers secrets that make him question everything. Can he trust her?
The day his wife died, Sheriff Cash Hill discovered she was leaving him for another man, one she’d loved since before their marriage. How could the single dad ever trust another woman again? But when Georgia’s best friend, Holly, comes back to town, something about Holly’s sweet, sassy vulnerability has his protective instincts kicking in hard.
Holly Jensen left La Colina, Texas with regrets. She’s returned home to work as the new large animal vet and to watch over her best friend’s daughter. But Holly’s knowledge of Georgia’s past could rip a family apart. And she’s reluctant to go to the sexy…and single…sheriff, as he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with her.
Both are faced with a choice…stay locked in the past or allow their reservations to be silenced by a passion hotter than Texas summer nights. Can they learn to trust their own hearts and each other?
After building a trading empire, establishing Whiskey River, and charming most of the females south of the Pedernales, Ronan “Booze” Kelly finds himself restless. Until his idea to start a ranch leads him to widowed rancher Marguerite McMasters. The Tejana beauty claims she’ll never sell her land—or succumb to the fiery connection between them.
Marguerite will let nothing stop her from realizing her dream of running a horse-breeding ranch—not lack of money, and certainly not her strong attraction to Booze Kelly. Much as she misses a man’s embrace, a schoolmarm can’t risk everything she has for him.
But there’s nothing Booze loves more than a challenge, whether it’s a new enterprise to begin—or a lady to beguile. Despite her convictions, can Marguerite continue to resist Booze—or will Booze be exactly what she never knew she was missing?
Emma Garcia is ready to put down roots in Last Stand, Texas, and she’s ready for love – but only with someone settled and responsible. Professional wanderers like her ex-boyfriend, ballplayer Wes Ramsey, are exactly what she doesn’t need. Except when Wes walks into the local dance hall during her date with someone else, Emma can’t think about anyone but her sexy ex.
He’s ready to score…
Wes is ready for the ride of his life now that his baseball career is taking off. He just needs to tie up loose ends at his family’s farm before spring training, a task he can’t focus on when the hometown rumor mill informs him that Emma is speed dating her way through the Last Stand locals in a bid to settle down. Wes knows he should leave well enough alone. But one hot look from his ex has him rethinking their split – and determined to show her what she’s missing!
Barrel racer Colby Tucker has never said no to her best friend and secret crush, Olivier Rossi. When the handsome and charming rodeo clown asks her to attend his brother’s wedding as his pretend fiancée, she reluctantly says yes. This might be her last chance to either nudge Olivier into falling in love with her or finally get him out of her system.
Olivier’s proposition to Colby was impulsive. But she’s the one person in his life he could count on and—unlike his family—Colby never judges. But from the moment they begin “practicing” their parts, Olivier knows he’s in trouble.
Suddenly Olivier wants more than a fake relationship. But is Colby only playing a part or are her feelings as real as his?
Find out in the latest Rossis of Whiskey River novel by USA Today bestselling author Katherine Garbera.
Lam Draeger’s deep wounds from the death of his young son and his
subsequent divorce were still healing when he was saddled with his
running his family’s cattle and rodeo stock ranch and the
responsibility of raising his siblings and keeping them out of
trouble. His every moment is devoted to running the ranch and business smoothly. He’s had no time to mourn his many losses or try to rebuild his personal life. And romance? Out of the question, no matter how sweet the temptation.
…don’t fall in love in the kitchen
Single mom Gwen Hobbs is right back where she swore she’d never be – cooking in the kitchen at the Draeger ranch just like her mom before her. But since her fiancé and the father of her daughters walked out on her, taking all their savings with him, she’s forced to be practical. So she vows to ignore the attraction that hums between her and Lam and to stop dreaming of becoming a chef.
But when Lam suggests she audition for a cooking competition, Gwen realizes that not all her dreams are out of reach, and her growing hopes extend far beyond a professionally tricked-out kitchen.
Grayson Cooper is livid when he learns his father left him a keychain with a strawberry charm rather than ownership of the successful Guac Olé company. He’s been groomed for this position since he escaped the factory floor as a teen and joined Jack in the corporate offices. But what good is the CEO title without the stock shares?
College dropout Becca Nash is dumbfounded to learn that she now owns controlling voting stock in the company where she’s just a line supervisor. The pay bump will help her take care of her mother’s nursing home care, but the corporate halls intimidate her—and who wants to hobnob with those snobs anyhow?
Stymied at every turn by her attitude, Grayson tries to steal back those shares, but surprisingly loses his heart to Becca instead. What he does discover is a secret that could blow apart not only Becca’s world but his whole family. With so much hanging in the balance, Grayson must decide whether it’s better to follow his head or his heart.
Gage Cooper has always wanted a particular piece of family land. Not only for the oil on the property, but to prove to his father that Gage’s past doesn’t define his future. When his dad wills the land to stranger Charlotte Wilkinson and all Gage gets is a mysterious key, he’s determined to do anything to get his rightful inheritance back.
Charlotte Wilkinson never expected to inherit a piece of property in Sweet Ridge, Texas –the Aussie businesswoman is focused on building an environmental analyst career in America. But the moment arrogant oil-man Gage Cooper walks into her office accusing her of seducing his father, all plans for selling the property to him fly out the window.
Then fate threatens to send her back to Australia and the dueling duo are forced to accept a fake marriage to keep their dreams alive. But as they discover common ground, and a surprising chemistry together, suddenly Gage must decide what’s worth more: the land he’s always coveted or a future with Charlotte?
Small town. Big secrets. Welcome to Sweet Ridge, Texas
When the Cooper brothers hear what their father left them in his will, they’re surprised to find that the things closest to their hearts were given to three random women. Gavin Cooper had his heart set on owning the house the family had grown up in, and when his old high school rival inherits it, he’s devastated. But she can’t sell the house for one year, and that’s plenty of time for him to find a way to get it back.
When Macy Young said goodbye to Sweet Ridge and left to pursue fame and fortune, she never thought she’d return. After losing her best friend, Macy went on a downward spiral of pain and shame. Living in the inherited house where she’d spent many happy hours might just soothe her weary soul.
Macy and Gavin will have to find a way to forgive themselves and each other if they’re ever going to be happy. Can this country star and veterinarian forget their pasts and start a life together?
They’re wrong for each other, but nothing has ever felt so right
Uptown girl Emmaline Claiborne needs a man, and not just any man. She needs the kind of man who can make her lying, cheating, no-good ex-boyfriend insane with jealousy. The same ex-boyfriend who is now engaged to her sister, and whose extravagant wedding she must suffer through in just three weeks’ time.
She selects the perfect candidate through an online dating app, but instead of the smooth, sophisticated software magnate she expects, a rugged cowboy shows up instead. He’s the complete opposite of everything Emma is looking for. In fact, he’s exactly the kind of man she swore to her Texas ranching family she would never fall for.
Which makes Cort Channing kinda perfect. Only before the weekend is over, Emma finds herself wishing she could keep her fake boyfriend, spurs, chaps, and all. Can this committed city girl take the biggest chance of her life, and swipe right for a cowboy?
After a disaster destroyed nearly everything Maddie Brooks owned, Trey Walker offered the petite redhead shelter at 2 Hope Ranch. A veterinarian, Maddie was smart, sexy, and good with animals… Impossible to resist, yet Trey is convinced he is cursed when it comes to women.
The temporary arrangement Maddie made with Trey was supposed to be strictly business. Easy since Maddie had tried and failed to catch the handsome cowboy’s eye for a year. She thought she was so over him…until he kissed her.
One daring kiss with the playboy tempts the good girl, but can she tame him?
Autry Hill may be a cowboy to his boots, but he’s also gained quite the reputation as a charmer and playboy. His parents aren’t sure he’s ready to take the reins of the family’s prosperous Texas ranch, so they set up a challenge: No women or scandal for the next six months and the ranch house he grew up in is his. Easy peasy, Autry thinks. He’s already tired of late nights and romancing, until elementary school teacher Beth Cooper happens to cross his path. Suddenly Autry is losing his heart, his mind, and what’s left of his reputation.
Good girl teacher Beth Cooper is far too practical to fall for Autry Hill, even if she had a crush on him way back when. The man’s been breaking hearts since middle school. But when he becomes her unexpected champion and then they work together to help one of Beth’s troubled students who’s about to lose everything, she sees a different side of Autry – serious, compassionate, determined and dedicated. And that Autry is nearly impossible to resist. Does she need to?
Classically-trained chef Delilah Corbyn walked away from the cutthroat celebrity kitchen world to return to her hometown of Last Stand, Texas. Delilah’s excited to open her own restaurant where she can finally make decisions without being scrutinized by the media. She thinks she’s living her dream until the new “it” chef saunters into town with a wink and a challenge. Delilah can handle heat in the kitchen, but he stirs up passions she’d long ago buried.
Jock Rossi has come a long way in the culinary world for someone who isn’t formally trained. Now he’s a rising chef with fame and money finally within his grasp. Determined to attract investors, he launches his latest restaurant in Last Stand. But when he meets his local competition, Jock’s plans skew off course. Delilah’s not only as talented as she is beautiful, she’s impossible to fool. Or forget.
Can Jock win her heart with his secret recipe or are they only destined to battle it out in the kitchen?
Johnny Gamble isn’t afraid of anything. Except Fiona Lannigan’s effect on him. It’s not just that she sees through his love ‘em and leave ‘em ways, she’s also his partner in Whiskey River’s most prestigious law firm. He believes she deserves better than him until they “matched” at the annual Valentine’s Day dance and the night turns into one of the most romantic of his life. Convincing him that he’s found a woman he doesn’t want to leave.
Fiona is all for a good time with Johnny. There have been sparks between them from the beginning, but more than one night between the sheets isn’t in the cards. Or so she thinks, until Johnny turns on the romance.
Can Johnny convince Fiona that this is one Valentine’s Gamble worth taking?
Gabriella Torres loves returning home to San Antonio for the holidays–the decorations, the magic and her large family. As icing on the cake, she will serve as midwife for one of her cousins. Her Christmas visit also provides a temporary distraction from a looming obligation.
Luke Davenport has traveled across the world to accept the role as town doctor in San Antonio. But when he arrives to domestic chaos, the sheriff offers his hospitality and Luke can’t turn down the offer. While he’s embraced by all, Luke tries to keep his distance. His past remains a threat and the alluring Gabby Torres makes him dream of a brighter but impossible future.
When Gabby learns that Luke has never truly experienced Christmas, she sets out on a mission…to make this Christmas the best that Luke could ever have. As they spend intimate moments together, Luke begins to lose his heart to the woman who is showing him what life as part of a family could be like. When the ghosts of their pasts rise up to haunt them, will Christmas magic and love be strong enough to guarantee the happiness they’ve always dreamed of?
They have more than one surprise in store this Christmas Eve…
Zara Mitchell is about to be a single mother. After finding out her baby’s father lied about everything, she’s decidedly on her own. But when her car breaks down outside Last Stand, Texas, she’s rescued by the most beautiful man she’s laid eyes on. He’s her knight in shining armor, and Zara is starting to believe in fairy tales.
J.T. Williams has a charmed life, or so he thought until his parents’ marriage deteriorated and exposed a half-sister, Amelia, in Last Stand. Intent to make up for his father’s shortcomings, he sets out to meet her but is derailed when he comes across a pregnant beauty stranded outside of town. And when he learns that Zara and Amelia are best friends, he impulsively decides to hide his identity to get to know both women without added pressure.
As Christmas nears, J.T. and Zara find themselves giving in to their feelings. But J.T.’s well-intentioned lie might cost him everything.
Art gallery owner Micki Kennedy loves her new home in Whiskey River, but she yearns for a baby. Seeing the Christmas lights and happy families only makes her more determined to have a child of her own, but her divorce has made her wary of relationships. She wants a baby, not a baby daddy. Footloose Cole Walker seems like the perfect person to ask for help.
Cole Walker thought he had plenty of time to settle down, but a near-death experience has him questioning his single status. He heads back to Whiskey River for Christmas determined to find a woman he can spend his life with. But the first person he sees when he arrives in town is the woman who dumped him years ago to marry her ex-boyfriend.
Cole can’t believe Micki would ask him to father her child and walk away. But can he risk heartbreak again to court her and try to father her child the old-fashioned way—and build a family of their own?
There’s no place like Whiskey River for the holidays…
Nico Rossi isn’t someone that people usually say no to—especially at Christmas time. Women have always been easy come, easy go for the branding expert, but he’s been off his game lately—especially when a beautiful small business owner turns his offer down. Coming home for his brother’s wedding offers him a chance to prove that he still has his legendary charm and business mojo.
Cressida Cormac avoids Christmas. Ten years ago, she lost everything during the holiday season and now copes by focusing on her business. But when Nico arrives at her door wearing a Santa hat and a sexy smile, daring her to give both him and Christmas a chance, she can’t say no.
As the Christmas season and Nico work their magic on her wounded heart, Cressida starts to wonder if this Texan can deliver lasting love or if it will all end in heartbreak?
Sometimes a fresh start requires a Christmas miracle…
Angelica Rossi moved to Whiskey River, Texas, for a true second chance. As Christmas approaches, she’s ready to rebuild her reputation and help her community by launching a nonprofit aimed at providing resources to the town’s underserved residents. To pull off this miracle, she’ll need to grab the attention of billionaire Max Parrish who’s offering business grants. How? By crashing his holiday party.
Max Parrish is a successful entrepreneur who prides himself on seeing through people’s characters and ulterior motives. When Angelica approaches him during his business Christmas party, he knows she’s not on his carefully curated guest list. Still, he lets her make her pitch. Her beauty and confidence intrigue him, and her proposal is nearly as tempting as she is. Max knows firsthand how important second chances are, so he agrees to fund Angelica’s grant with strings…him.
Max and Angelica find themselves collaborating over her business plan during the town’s festive holiday traditions. But Max has been fooled before. Will Angelica’s good intentions last beyond the holiday?
Lea Dunwoody has always been the classic girl-next-door right down to the tips of her elf booties she wears as a volunteer Santa’s helper. One night her bestie teases her that she should make a play for the handsome bad boy Braden Delaney as she’s always been better with animals than people and Braden is rumored to be a total Scrooge. Braden has always tempted Lea and then the night of the Corbyn Christmas Open House, she sees him make a wish on an evening star. Does she dare make a wish for her own fairytale?
Braden Delaney has had it bad for Lea since…well, forever. As soon as he realized how boys and girls were different, she’d been the only one he had eyes for. But the Delaney men aren’t easy for the women they love so Braden has kept his distance. Until this Christmas. He’s tired of spending the holiday alone.
He normally avoids the holidays, but this year Lea is giving him a reason to celebrate the season.
From the moment Lorenzo Valdez saved Angie Torres from being crushed by an angry mule, he knew she was trouble. Having rolled her out of harm’s way, he can’t deny that he is intrigued by the soft, delicate woman, especially when she races away without telling him her name.
Angie serves as a spy to the Texians, aiding them in the Texas Revolution. Her desire for the enemy soldier’s arms around her goes against everything she has been fighting for. However, their fate is intertwined and they are forced to work together.
While Angie tries to protect her heart, Lorenzo must overcome his own demons. With the Texians on the verge of attacking San Antonio, Angie and Lorenzo have to fight not only for their right to love one another, but also for their lives and the future of Texas.
Meet the Kellys of Whiskey River, Texas, men who have always gone through life, and women, with their father’s legendary charm.
Trey Kelly has it all. Eldest son of Boots Kelly, Trey runs the Kelly ranch, and Trey’s heart is with his “babies”, Kelly’s Champs, the World Champion cutting horses he breeds and sells. Women love Trey and he loves women, but he’s never met the one he wanted for keeps. Until…
Reclusive Ariana Wright‘s lavender farm sits next door to the Kelly spread. Ariana is a smart, ambitious chemist and after the car accident that left her scarred, the success of her new line of lavender-based beauty products is all Ariana is interested in.
Convincing Ariana to take a chance on love is a task that takes all of Trey’s cowboy determination. But can Ariana let go of the wounds of the past and give herself more than one night with the cowboy?
Josie Star knew one day she’d step into her father’s boots and take over the Lone Star Ranch, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. When her father collapses, she trades her corporate desk for a dusty tractor to shoulder the legacy of generations of Jewish Texans. She’s ready to take her place in the Lone Star’s history – with a little help from Easton McKinney. The ranch foreman is her lifelong best friend – and a man for whom her feelings once ran much deeper.
The Lone Star gave Easton the stable home his upbringing lacked, but when Josie returns, the dirt beneath his boots crumbles. She broke his heart when she left – and now she’s his boss. He’ll help her find her feet, but he won’t abandon his dream of running his own ranch. Maybe her homecoming is the kickstart he needs to finally move on from the Lone Star – and from her.
When Josie uncovers troubling family secrets, she needs Easton more than ever. But can he stay knowing she’s forever out of reach?
They’re made for each other, he just needs to prove it.
Pilot Nate Kershaw may be one of Whiskey River’s biggest players, but from the moment he met cowgirl Damaris Walker, he was smitten. After sharing a searing kiss years ago, she made her feelings clear so Nate doesn’t dare press for more than friendship. No other woman can win his heart, so when his beloved grandmother tells him her dearest wish is to see him settled down, Nate decides it’s the perfect opportunity to convince Damaris they’re meant to be.
After a devastating betrayal years ago, Damaris is still unable to trust or risk her heart—especially with a charming lady-killer like Nate. Against her common sense, she agrees to be Nate’s fake girlfriend and finds herself falling for him harder than she did two years ago.
When Damaris learns Nate has been deceiving her about his true feelings, her fears and trust issues reignite. Will Nate be able to convince Damaris to overcome the pain of the past and take a risk on forever—with him?
Cade Barret has lost everything and if he doesn’t find help soon, he’ll lose his life as well. Not only must he escape nearly everyone who has a gun, he has to force himself to continue forward for a special objective. His mission is personal, and his desire for revenge is great. For him, though, getting back what has been taken from him is worth all of the danger to his life.
Olivia Torres is a strong, determined woman who has taken it upon herself to care for her family after her parents were murdered by the Mexican Army. Her calm demeanor and determination make her an incredible spy for the Texian Army during the Texas Revolution. Yet, when a stranger stumbles into the Torres home in the middle of the night, about to die from his wounds, Olivia is faced with a decision that will put more than just her family at risk.
Fighting for their very lives, Cade and Olivia become unlikely allies. Olivia Torres lives a life built around rules of propriety, but her attraction to Cade will put every one of her rules to the test.
When the woman of his dreams walks through his door, it seems too good to be true…
World famous metal artist Gabe Walker is elated when the woman he’s loved since high school strolls into his workshop to ask him out on a date. But there’s a catch—it’s with another woman. Gabe has no trouble saying no to that date, but with Chantel? The answer’s always hell yes.
With two failed relationships behind her, Chantel Chandler wants to keep things light. She’s recently back in Whiskey River, Texas, and is determined to pick up the pieces of her life. But her casual friendship with Gabe quickly combusts into an intensely hot affair with an unexpected surprise…a pregnancy.
Chantel would love to be a mom, but she needs to be loved for herself first. Gabe says he’s all in, but how can she trust again when she’s been let down so many times?
He is a man sworn to uphold the law. She has been a rebel her entire life.
After witnessing his father’s murder, Trevor grew up knowing he would become a lawman. From an early age he learned to track, shoot and survive. When he’s offered the chance to join the Texas Rangers, he wears the badge with pride.
Serena Torres always finds trouble. After the Texans win independence from Mexico, they face an entirely new problem with the Comanche. As an aide to the Texian army, Serena finds her loyalty challenged by her sympathy with the Comanche cause.
When Trevor arrives in San Antonio to provide security for a Council House Meeting, he is immediately taken with the auburn-haired beauty. Serena has never met a man like Trevor whose strength and determination match her own and whose kisses leave her longing for more. Their budding romance is torn apart when the meeting turns into a massacre.
As Serena’s desire to help creates more trouble, will Trevor be able to save her in time?
Sexy attorney Ryder Ford always knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. But Addison Wells, his gorgeous secretary, is one woman he wants but can’t have. Or can he? One scorching, unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe is all that either have allowed. Addison is focused on her studies and becoming a lawyer herself and she plans to leave the dust of Whiskey River behind. Unless…
There’s A Way…
Addison has mastered ignoring her hotter than sin boss until one stormy day when a threatening tornado forces them to find shelter from the storm. Despite the fact that Addison is weeks from moving to another city, she finds herself breaking her own “no office romance” rule. She’s not meant to settle down—but how can she resist someone as persuasive and tempting as Ryder? She’s determined that he should be her going away present but will Ryder let her go that easily?
Barrel rider Reba Duvall has been crushing on Nick Blue since the moment they met, but she kicked him to the friend zone to keep her heart from being bruised and battered by the charmer… until they turn to each other for comfort when their best friend dies. Reba knows it’s for one night only, but still, it hurts to wake up alone. But it turns out a memory is not all Nick left her with…
Nick Blue never guessed his father was one of the richest men in Texas. Or that he’d have to live in Whiskey River with two unknown brothers for a year to inherit his share of the family property. But hey, stranger things have happened, such as bumping into his friend and one time lover in that same town… the one he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about all this time. But running into Nick is not an accident. Reba has a plan. She wants baby Martina to know her father.
Reba may not know what she wants from Nick, but it sure isn’t a half-assed marriage proposal and sharing a luxurious bedroom at Kelly Ranch. She plans to keep things platonic. Can Nick convince her she needs more than one night with the playboy?
Rancher Marshall Walker isn’t looking for a woman—not permanently, anyway. He’s plenty busy raising beautiful Walker paint horses that are in high demand across Texas. But when his sister’s gorgeous friend arrives for an extended visit, he’s not opposed to exploring what could happen. He knows his heart is safe—Jaclyn Carson is a city girl, and he’s country through and through.
Jaclyn isn’t looking for a man, either. Owner and CEO of her own makeup company, she doesn’t have any desire to relax or slow down. With her condo under extensive renovations, she takes up her friend’s offer to stay at her family’s Texas ranch. Jaclyn’s more than a little curious to catch a glimpse of her not-so-secret college crush, and Marshall is hotter than ever. And his proposition—a steamy but very temporary affair—sounds like a fantasy come true.
What happens when two opposites fall in love? Can they meet in the middle or will they go their separate ways, even if it means breaking their hearts?
What happens when you discover that the woman who’s been a friend for years is actually the one you’ve been waiting for? If you’re Dr. Turner McBride you set out to prove that the two of you would be perfect together.
After betrayal and a failed marriage, Charlie Stockton returns to Last Stand, Texas, to run her bakery and avoid commitment. She’s delighted to resume her long-time friendship with far-too-sexy Turner – but no way is she ready or able to trust her heart again. Although she might be tempted into an affair, Charlie’s convinced their friendship is too important to risk losing by taking it to another level.
It will take all Turner’s determination and an unexpected wake up call to prove to Charlie that risking her heart will be well worth the gamble.
The Blues might be new to Whiskey River, Texas, but these illegitimate sons of the legendary Boots Kelly are no strangers to charisma.
Xander Blue, IT genius, has always been a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy. But when he meets the CFO of Kelly Boots, beautiful single mom, Bailey Richmond, he knows he’s down for the count.
Bailey Richmond has been there and done that and won’t do it again. In Bailey’s eyes, once a player always a player and she and her son have too much at stake to risk it all on a fling. But dark-haired, blue-eyed, sexy Xander Blue makes her question all her rules.
Xander is determined to prove to Bailey that there’s more between than chemistry. Can a charming millionaire convince a once bitten, forever shy single mom that she wants more than one night with the bad boy?
He’s the bad boy she needs to help her lay down the law…
Assistant District Attorney Georgia Star is on the ballot in Last Stand, Texas to finally take the top job—but popularity has never been this overachiever’s forte. When her big-city outsider opponent begins wooing her constituents with lies, Georgia knows she has to stop playing nice. She turns to the infamous Cy Powell for advice, but his provocative solution might be worse than a defeat.
Cyrus “Cy” Powell is a property mogul, rancher, and entrepreneur—and a scion of Last Stand’s most notorious criminal family. Despite his legit success he’s never outrun his last name, so when Georgia asks for his help, Cy decides a fake relationship is the perfect pretext to infiltrate her world.
Dating Cy will connect Georgia with her voter base, and squiring Georgia through her influential social circles will polish Cy’s reputation and facilitate his latest business deal. Their chemistry is undeniable, but as the election looms, they’ll need to decide if their fake alliance is real and where their loyalties lie.
Meet the Kellys of Whiskey River, Texas, men who have always gone through life, and women, with their father’s legendary charm.
Wyatt Kelly, CEO of Kelly Boots, is rumored to do everything with his cowboy boots on, including seducing women into memorable one-night stands. Growing up the second eldest son of a philandering charmer, Wyatt’s seen first hand how messy relationships can get when the heart’s involved, and he’s determined to leave no scars. No woman’s tempted Wyatt to break his vow until he meets Juliette Rossi.
Juliette is all about business. She’s focused on turning the lavender farm she and her cousin inherited into a successful, world-wide company. Her meticulous plans are on the right track until she accepts a dare to spend the night with Wyatt after the annual Boots & Bangles Gala. Juliette’s fantasized about Wyatt for years… One night will get him out of her system for good, right?
Wrong.
Can she convince Wyatt that he’s more than his Kelly heritage? Will Wyatt agree that one night just isn’t enough?
He has everything this Christmas, but all he wants is the quiet ranch life he’s losing…
When Josh Tomlinson’s Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, the formerly tight-knit family is suddenly on edge. Seeking advice, Josh reluctantly contacts family friend and now attorney, Carly Garza. His business is serious, yet he can’t believe Carly’s morphed from a long-legged colt of a girl to a sophisticated woman. Besides, he knows the intelligent Carly has no interest in a quiet, rugged cowboy like him.
Carly’s crushed on Josh for years, and she plans to ask him out now that she’s back in Last Stand. She’s hoping he’ll finally see her as someone other than his younger brother’s middle school girlfriend. But when Josh needs advice on how to handle his family’s lottery win, his client and billionaire statuses put him firmly out of reach. If only her heart could ignore the sparks that flare between them.
They’re already keeping the family’s lottery win a secret from the town. Can they also hide their budding romance during the most magical time of year?
She’s ready to put on the performance of a lifetime.
Cody Tomlinson and Mallory Moore have struck sparks off each other since high school theater, where she was sunny and talented while he was injured and angry. A decade later, Mallory is working to save Last Stand’s movie theater and convert it into a performance space for live theater and music. Thanks to his family’s lottery win, Cody has plenty of money to help. But Mallory’s the only woman in town who doesn’t want Cody’s charity.
It’s bad enough that Cody is sexy as sin with his tough, scarred cowboy looks. Now he’s rich and Mallory refuses to be another woman fighting for his attention. She won’t accept a financial gift for her business, but she’s not above a fair trade. Mallory offers a deal: Cody can invest in the theater if he volunteers on the renovation. Meanwhile, she’ll play the part of his fiancée to ward off fortune hunters.
But Mallory immediately realizes her mistake. Cody’s always driven her crazy, and now they’re spending all their days—and nights—together.
Playing the lottery was just for fun, but with the one-billion-dollar win, life gets complicated.
It’s been nearly a year since widowed Texas Rancher Ava Tomlinson won the lottery. And while her four adult sons have found love, Ava feels unsettled this Christmas. She’s giving her sons more privacy, but she’s especially lonely due to a rift in her once tight circle of friends. Ava’s not anticipating a romance when a handsome, younger survey geologist arrives at the ranch to work through the holidays. He’s sexy and fun, but only offering temporary.
North Rabe’s career keeps him on the road. His plans of working through the holidays are derailed when Ava includes him in family dinners and festive plans in Last Stand. He’s quickly smitten and finally has a glimpse of a family life he lost long ago. Does he dare attempt to lay down roots? And if so, how can he convince Ava and her protective sons he’s after her heart, not her money?
He’s about to take the toughest ride of his life. Will it end in the hardest fall?
Trey Tremayne, world champion bronc rider, is on track to win another championship title when an injury sidelines him. Healing privately at a friend’s cabin and determined to qualify for the finals, Trey is pleased when a beautiful woman literally falls into his arms at the local general store. Maybe a little flirtation will distract him from his troubles, but Laurie is anything but short-term or casual, and Trey immediately realizes he’s out of his depth.
School teacher and single mom Laurie Wilkes has her feet planted firmly on the ground. She will not be swayed by a handsome, sexy bull rider who has given her son a serious case of hero worship and makes her feel fully alive for the first time in years. He’s temporary and definitely not a man to take seriously—but her feelings aren’t casual.
She isn’t his type, and he’s certainly not hers. So why do they feel like a perfect match?
When his older brother asks him to move back to Whiskey River to help run the family ranch, former Marine Grant McAllister feels obligated to agree. After spending two years recovering from battle injuries, coming home finally feels right. Relishing being back on the land, Grant decides to refurbish the family’s old hunting cabin as his new home. When the artisan designer he hires turns out to be a beautiful, intriguing woman, he hopes to mix business with a little pleasure.
She needs to remain uninvolved…
After the death of her Marine husband, a pregnant Abby Rogers moved to Whiskey River to be closer to her husband’s family and escape her controlling mother. Reinventing herself as a designer, she now focuses on her business and mothering her young daughter. She has no time for relationships—no matter how tempting she finds her handsome new client. But when her wealthy mother threatens to sue for custody of her daughter, Grant’s shocking offer forces her to listen to her heart.
Jade Mitchell’s life changes forever when a concussion activates “the gift”—a psychic ability passed down from her grandmother. As a massage therapist with a thriving practice, Jade needs to protect her professional reputation in her small Texas town. She’s wary of her new talent, but also wants to use it to help her friends and neighbors.
Cash Burleson, a no-nonsense former bull rider, now runs his family’s successful cattle ranch. With no children of his own, Cash treasures his young nephew, AJ, who is battling serious kidney disease. But when Jade’s massage services are prescribed, Cash is leery. He’s used to being guided by facts and logic, not lavender and meditation music.
As Jade and Cash are drawn closer, the search heats up for a kidney donor. Jade knows she needs to use her gift to save AJ, but she risks outing her secret in the process. Will she lose Cash’s trust, or can she count on him to see what’s truly in her heart?
Rising country music star Cassidy James McCall is living her own version of a bad country song. After undergoing vocal chord surgery, her future is uncertain. To escape the constant presence of tabloid reporters, she accepts an invitation to celebrate Christmas with her McCall cousins. But her idea of a quiet and peaceful holiday comes to a screeching halt the moment she crashes into her former boyfriend, the tough yet noble cowboy that she’s never gotten over.
Widowed, single father and ex-rodeo bull rider, Ryder Hadley, longs to raise his precious little girl in his safe, secure small hometown of Honor, Texas while bringing his ranch back to life. It’s a simple wish that goes haywire when the mega country sensation and the woman who stole his heart years ago gallops back in to town, igniting a firestorm of emotions in her wake.
As Ryder tries to protect his heart from falling once again under Cassidy’s spell, he soon learns he’s not the only one who can’t resist her–his daughter wants Cassidy as a bride for her daddy. With the help of some Christmas magic, will Ryder and Cassidy get the second chance that they’ve always wanted?
One night with professional bull rider Trent Campbell had been everything that Kelly Sullivan had fantasized about. Unfortunately, it cost her everything. When she became pregnant, her father threw her out because she wouldn’t tell him the baby’s father was his rodeo hero—the hero who ghosted her when she tried so many times to tell him about their daughter.
Trent Campbell never forgot the best night of his life. It was what kept him going when a 2,000-lbs bull ended his career and almost his life. Throughout his long recovery, thinking of Kelly and wishing he still had his stolen phone so he could contact her, were what got him through the tough days—that, and his bull-headed stubbornness that he’d not only walk again, he’d ride.
When Kelly returns to Last Stand, Texas, in a last-ditch effort to keep her family from selling the Three Sisters Ranch, she has a plan to make her father proud of her again by turning part of the land into a portrait studio location. Her father, however, has already temporary leased Trent some land for a rodeo school. Kelly and Trent still have the same explosive chemistry, but now the stakes are higher. If she lets Trent into her life, it won’t only be her heart he breaks this time if he leaves, it will be their daughter’s.
It would take a Christmas miracle to get these two together
Veterinarian Janice Sullivan has been horse-crazy all her life and only wanted to work on her family’s cattle farm, the Three Sisters Ranch, but her father’s constant criticisms drove her away, forcing her to choose a new career in dressage and leaving her secret crush behind. With the ranch facing possible bankruptcy, Janice has an idea to save it – a woman’s retreat. With Christmas around the corner, Janice is not only hoping for a chance under the mistletoe with the one man she’s been unable to forget, but also to give a few cowgirl wannabes a chance in the saddle.
Bah humbug! The last thing ranch foreman Nate Pierson needs is a bunch of weepy or giggly eggnog-swilling city chicks getting in his way and distracting his men while they’re busting their tails wrangling long horns. His short temper and lack of patience often push people away except the one woman he needs to leave alone. As tempting as she is, Janice, the boss’ daughter, can never be anything more than a fantasy. The only Christmas spirit he wants is 100 proof, especially when he has to matchmake Janice with the ranch’s vet.
Nate knows from experience that Christmas miracles are for suckers, but it doesn’t stop his heart from wishing Janice could wind up under his tree instead of with the man her Daddy wants her to marry.
Activist Emily Sullivan left her fulfilling job in the Peace Corps to save her family’s ranch from bankruptcy. Her dream is to use renewable energy because conservation and education are her passion. Unfortunately, her parents believe there’s a greater profit allowing hunting tours to cull the local wild species. Emily vows to change their mind.
Donovan Link doesn’t stay in one place or with one job too long. This cowboy turned hunter is determined that the hunting lodge he built on the Three Sisters ranch will give him a nice nest egg so he could retire to Alaska, where the game is plentiful and his incarcerated father can never find him.
When these two opposites clash, sparks fly. Donovan sees Emily as a sabotaging eco-warrior and she sees him as a soulless trophy hunter. But they need to work together to keep the Three Sisters ranch in the black and fighting with each other — and falling in love — complicates an already impossible situation.
LeAnn “Killer” Keller is determined to be the first woman in the WPRCA to win a buckle in bull riding. She’s sworn off the distraction of rodeo cowboys, until her sister hires veteran bull rider Dylan Porter, not knowing that LeAnn and he indulged in a steamy one-night stand last season. LeAnn intends to keep their night together a secret, but Dylan’s kind, sweet and oh so tempting.
Dylan Porter was eager to reconnect with the woman who rocked his world last season, but he never imagined he’d be training her to ride bulls. She wants to keep their hook up a secret from her overly protective family, which is disappointing because Dylan felt like she could be the one. He’d like to walk away, but he needs the money.
When a male rider is killed by a bull gone wild, Dylan tries to keep LeAnn from competing. He knows she’ll never forgive him if she misses her shot, but he’d rather have her safe, even if he loses her forever.
Feisty, spitfire Hannah Prescott yearns to get the bulls she raises to the top rodeo circuit finals. Being a woman in a male-dominated career means she fights harder for what she wants, and romance plays no part in her goals. But when everything’s on the line and her best friend asks her to play pretend, what’s a girl to do?
Sexy, life of the party cowboy Cody McCall is determined to save the legacy of his family’s ranch and give his beloved, widowed grandfather something to live for again. Options are limited until he hits on the perfect plan–pretending to marry the girl who’s been his confidante and friend all these years. After stealing sweet kisses with Hannah, Cody starts to dream of something more permanent…if he can only convince Hannah to agree that the move from friendship to marriage is worth the fight. He wants a forever bride, but there’s only one cowgirl he desires.
Jenny Wentworth returns in disgrace to her hometown of Honor, TX. After being left high and dry at the altar, she’s done with men. However, there’s nothing more precious to her than being a loving mother and creating the family she’s always longed to have. But she needs help in the baby making department..
Sheriff Caleb McCall longs to save his family’s ranch and legacy. His beloved Gramps nearly lost it all, so he and his brothers are doing everything in their power to bring it back to life again. Hard work and dedication aren’t enough. Unexpectedly, help comes from his buddy’s sister Jenny, who he refused to get involved with all those years ago.
When Jenny reunites with her brother’s best friend, she can’t ignore her growing feelings for the honorable Sheriff McCall. Are his kisses real or just a temporary distraction for his ongoing fight for the McCall Ranch? Can she risk her battered heart one more time to find out the answer?
When Dallas society bride Elizabeth Eve Barrington discovers her intended’s financial ulterior motives for marriage, she hightails it out of the church in her wedding gown and hops in the back of a parked and beat-up pickup truck.
Happy to leave the big city, sexy cowboy Connor McCall jumps in his truck, revs up his engine, and then heads home to Honor, Texas with the goal of saving his family’s failing ranch. Hours later and miles down country roads, Connor discovers the stowaway bride, and he’s pretty sure she’s feigning amnesia.
What’s a cowboy to do? Cowboy up, of course. He takes Eve home, determined to solve her mystery. What he discovers is a lot of smoke–and where there’s smoke, there’s fire, with the heat generating between them hot enough to burn. Will Connor be damned if he falls for the beautiful runaway bride or will he be damned if he doesn’t?
After a failed engagement, paleontologist Heather “Heart” Carvalho has vowed to always protect herself in love. When she’s hired to conduct a geophysical survey for a mineral rights dispute on ancient land, she never expects to be swept up in the arms of a rugged cowboy. After a night of passion, she learns the handsome cowboy is her new client. Even more complicated, he has kids, and soon Heart longs for something she knows she can never have…a family.
Tyler Dixon doesn’t have time for emotional attachments. He has two sons to raise solo, a multimillion-dollar ranch to operate, and a pending lawsuit to protect his land from an unscrupulous oil company. Carrying on with the gorgeous, free-spirited paleontologist will only jeopardize Tyler’s case. So why does he feel the impulse to keep crossing the line with her?
They’re both everything they told themselves they didn’t want. As their chemistry burns, Heart claims she can remain impartial, but soon Ty wants the one thing she’s sworn to never again give away—her heart.
They’ve found exactly what they weren’t looking for…
Archaeologist Rosalinda Morales is focused more on what’s in the soil and caves of the famed Legacy Ranch, rather than what’s on it—the sexy and charismatic cowboy heir. As a single mom to her special needs son, she knows what it’s like to struggle, so even though Toby Dixon has charm pulsing through his veins, she’s determined to resist.
Despite trying to mend bridges, Toby Dixon’s brothers have no interest in coming home, so he’s taken the reins of his family’s historic cattle ranch. Having vowed to his dying mother to settle down, he’s still considering how to move the company forward when Dr. Morales, armed with a sense of humor, a keen intellect and love for adventure, arrives with her team of students. Suddenly Toby begins to see more possibilities for his family’s ancient land and his future.
Toby can’t flirt his way into Rose’s life. He’ll need to up his game and earn the trust of the woman who isn’t just excavating his soil, but digging into his heart.
They have a second chance at love…if they’re brave enough to take the risk.
Fifteen years ago, Skylar Rivers fled from home after her boyfriend’s Army unit was annihilated. Now, she’s a veterinarian who’s created a foundation to honor Travis and the dreams of a ranch they shared. When a car accident lands her and her foster son in the ER, Dr. Travis Dixon arrives—seemingly resurrected from the dead. Their chemistry still flares hot, but he’s changed, and she has a troubled teen to protect.
Travis Dixon has many regrets. Most notably, losing his best friend in a battle that took his foot and nearly his life, and then turning to the bottle during recovery. He hurt everyone he loved, but is now a respected orthopaedic surgeon determined to establish a riding program for injured vets. When the blonde beauty he never forgot throws his heart and his plans into a tailspin, he realizes he wants to reconnect with his roots and find a new place in Skylar’s life.
They’ve both run from their pasts. Can Skylar make room for Travis in her future?
“No more detours!” That was the promise Angelina Lord made to herself when she accepted a ride from a wedding in Texas, with the best man to her destination in Santa Fe, New Mexico. What could possibly go wrong?
Angelina is focused on one thing–opening a fashion boutique in Santa Fe. What she really doesn’t need is one full-of-himself lawman with his aggravating air of superiority and soul-searing eyes…not to mention heart-stopping kisses…coming to her rescue. If she lets him get too close to the truth, he could bring down the wall she erected around her well-ordered life and her heart.
United States Marshal Jace Blackhawke holds family and traditions as the center of his life. He isn’t part of Angie’s world and she certainly isn’t part of his. Will their differences prove to be too insurmountable in the face of the truth that will not stay silent?
Police Chief Shane Highwater has the respect of the entire town of Last Stand, Texas, and they all believe he was blameless when an accident several months ago ended one life and tore apart another. All except reporter Liliana Jones, who blames him for her fiancé’s death.
There’s more to the story than she knows, secrets that might change her mind. Secrets Shane can’t tell her. But oh, does he want to, because Lily Jones is the first woman he’s been undeniably drawn to in a very long time.
When a tragedy in town throws them together, Lily is forced to admit Shane is everything everyone said he was and ignoring the growing attraction is near impossible, and she’s no longer sure she wants to. Has her change of heart come too late?
He didn’t think coming home would mean falling in love
Outfielder Calvin Ramsey returns to his Texas farm home after being released from his team, an unexpected surprise sure to tarnish the family baseball legacy. But when he finds a sexy stranger acting as the temporary caretaker for his childhood home, all thoughts of baseball disappear.
She won’t fall for another player
After losing her savings to a swindler ex-boyfriend, Josie Vance moves to Last Stand to start fresh where no one knows her unhappy past or the con that bankrupted her. But her peaceful healing time evaporates when the homeowner’s son arrives and throws himself into life on the farm—and charming Josie. She can’t risk an affair that draws attention to her or her past. Especially not when the public’s fascination with the baseball-playing Ramsey clan is at an all-time high. Can she keep her secrets, her low profile, and her heart too?
When he sets out to regain his family’s heritage, he never expects to fall in love.
Cowboy Duncan McAllister has worked tirelessly to make the family ranch profitable enough to buy back the section of land hard times forced them to sell a decade ago. When the owner of that land unexpectedly dies, leaving the ranch to his city-based daughter, Duncan finally sees his opportunity.
After her business partner boyfriend runs off with an intern—and all their clients—CPA Harrison Scott retreats to her Daddy’s Hill Country ranch to decide her next move. Her father’s sudden death leaves her floundering—does she rebuild her professional career or carry on the ranch he loved? After rebuffing Duncan’s offer to buy her out, Harrison is forced to turn to her handsome neighbor to learn the ropes of ranching.
Duncan tells himself he’s just being neighborly, but their immediate attraction soon deepens. How can he convince her that he wants her even more than his beloved land when she’s already been betrayed once before?
On a storm-ravaged night, Texas rancher Truitt Tremayne is trying to make it home before the road floods. Years ago he lost his parents, fiancée and youngest brother in a flash flood on the same country road, so it seems like déjà vu when he nearly hits a stranded car with a beautiful woman and her sister trapped inside.
Annie Sims and her sister Jessie are running from their past. She’s headed to San Antonio where they can disappear, but bad luck follows them. With her funds depleted and her car useless, Truitt’s offer of a temporary sanctuary with no questions asked seems too good to be true. Soon Annie finds herself falling under the spell of the kind, silent rancher. But can she let her guard down and still keep her sister safe, or is she courting more danger?
Truitt knows Annie has a secret. He wants her trust, but can he give his heart to another woman after he’s already lost so much?
When Texas Ranger Brice McAllister spies a sexy woman in short shorts gardening in her backyard, he can’t help but flirt. She shuts him down hard, and Brice is astonished when he realizes this alluring woman is also the aloof and dowdy librarian—complete with thick-framed glasses and a shapeless dress—who helped him research land deeds earlier that day. He’s instantly intrigued and sets out to discover more—namely, why she’s clearly hiding herself.
She can’t attract attention…
After one side of her crime family is involved in her fiancé’s death, Maria Giordano puts half a continent between herself and her L.A. home and family. She moves to Whiskey River and reinvents herself as “Mary,” a serious and plain librarian. Her only indulgence is her garden and cooking with her neighbor’s young daughter. And then she meets Brice.
Maria has every reason to avoid and resent a man with a badge, but when she needs protection, the last man she thinks she can trust is the first one she turns to.
What happens when a tenacious sheriff takes on a determined cowgirl and her champion bull?
It’s never easy to make it in a man’s world, and cowgirl Tori Tremayne has chased the same dream most of her life—producing a champion bucking bull on the pro rodeo circuit. With her prize bull Maximus, she’s so close to winning top prize in the finals this year she can taste it. She can’t afford any distractions, especially not the tall, dark and swoony sheriff she’s admired all her life.
Sheriff Gray Dalton has been in love with Tori since they were kids. He doesn’t want to change Tori or derail her goals, but he does want to combine their dreams—build a life and family with her while she continues to pursue her career and passion. Gray knows he has to shake Tori up so that he can step out of the friend zone she’s so determined to keep him in.
Can Gray prove to Tori that with him she can have it all—career, love and a family?
Angels. Emma Cramer doesn’t consider herself an angel by any stretch of the imagination. Temporarily stranded, broke and unable to pursue her dreams of working in the big city following her mother’s death, Emma’s life changes when she rescues a small child and a puppy who get trapped in a garage where Emma’s truck has finally breathed its last . The girl’s relieved and grateful grandmother believes Emma has been sent by angels because her family needs temporary help. She offers Emma a job, a good salary and a place to stay until after the holidays. It seems like a Christmas miracle for both of them.
Angels often appear when least expected, but when the most needed. Cynical sheriff and rancher Cole Drayton has heard that all his life, but he’s never been in the market for much else. He can take care of his daughter, his ranch and his family on his own without his meddling mother, but his long protected heart and desire for isolation is no match for a beautiful stranded stranger and a misfit puppy who make his daughter laugh and him feel alive again.
Can unsuspecting hearts intersect at the moment when love and trust is needed most? Anything is possible with the magic of the Christmas season and faith in the Christmas angels.
All they need for Christmas is a second chance nudge…
Sixteen years ago, MacKenna Davidson was a runaway bride, and she never found the courage to face her jilted fiancé and family back in Burkitt, Texas. Then her sister’s nuptials set off the very chain of events she’s feared: a sense of homecoming she can’t untangle.
Matteo Montez survived MacKenna once, and he refuses to fall for her again. But he has no choice except to team up with her when a fellow attorney informs them that a mutual friend has passed and named Matteo and Mackenna as her children’s guardians. How can he crush these little angels’ hopes for a family, especially at Christmas?
Mackenna is willing to work with Burkitt’s hottest bachelor to build a picture-perfect holiday, as long as her heart doesn’t get involved. Because she, too, has secrets that prevent her from picking up her past. But Christmas is a season of surprises and even a miracle or two—especially when Mackenna and Matteo have a guardian angel rooting for their happiness.
Which shines brighter: Hollywood lights or the Texas stars?
Laurel Burkitt, who owns half of the mega-ranching empire known as the Aces High, shook the Texas dirt off her stilettos a long time ago. She’s all about high fashion, sleek cars, and adding movie awards to her shelves. No dark-eyed, sexy, hard-driving, country-living cowboy is going to rope her into being his country darlin’…as long as her brain keeps control over the traitorous yearnings of her heart.
Jaxson Hawkes, foreman of the Aces High, was born to the saddle and to being a cowboy all his days. So it took him a while to finally bare his soul to the spitfire he grew up adoring. He expected Laurel to choose between him and Texas and her dream of California gold. Her choice broke his heart.
Now Laurel’s back and her ideas of merging California with Texas aren’t sitting too well with Jaxson. There’s a showdown coming between them, and when the dust clears, will he send her packing on that shiny plane once and for all? Or will the lady claim the cowboy’s heart for good?
They had a foolproof plan…until one little girl got involved.
Sammi Jo Burkitt’s formidable grandmother’s will is pushing Sammi Jo to the brink. Yes, the feisty cowgirl can keep the ranching empire known as Aces High, which has been the family birthright for two centuries, but she must marry her rival and stay married for three years as part of the deal. Say no, and Aces High goes on the auction block.
Beaudry Hawkes wants nothing to do with the high and mighty Burkitts. Until the day Sammi Jo shows up on his doorstep with a proposition no one in their right mind would refuse: wear her ring, then accept thousands of acres of rich ranch land and a tidy sum of three million dollars when they part ways. The windfall could change everything for his daughter’s future.
But eight-year-old Lacy is becoming attached to the idea of one happy family. Nothing short of a true marriage between the two can make her dreams come true. Can Sammi Jo and Beaudry find their freedom and love too?
This charge nurse and helicopter pilot bring a new twist to flight risk…
Single mom Kenzie Calhoun has returned to Burkitt, Texas, and the Aces High Ranch determined to build a loving home. She has a new position as a nurse on an air medical evac team, a house to remodel, and a whip-smart six-year-old daughter to raise. After a disastrous marriage, the walls around her heart are high. There’s no room for another mistake in the romance department.
Major Deke Hayes takes pride in his air evac helicopter service that assists area ranches, including the Aces High, during roundups and predator removal. In his spare time, he flies emergency calls for the local hospital. But his call sign, Lone Wolf, says it all: his trust issues mean he flies through life solo, too.
That is, until precocious Brooke Calhoun, with a penchant for climbing trees and a fondness for sprinkles on cupcakes, can’t help but bring the two adults together with her antics. Will Kenzie and Deke see that sometimes walls have a way of crumbling in the face of second chances?
His final mission may be the most dangerous of all…to her heart.
Autumn Messina has finally put herself first and achieved her dream of becoming a teacher. She’s only sorry it’s come at the expense of having to sell the once thriving Messina Farm. Autumn loves her father and the farm, but she can’t do it all, and her brother has no plans to move back home. And then her brother’s best friend saunters back into her life even more handsome than she remembers and arrogantly full of plans and answers to questions she no longer wants to ask.
After exiting his special forces unit to return home to Last Stand, Sam Russell feels duty bound to help his best friend’s struggling family farm. He’s not expecting such fierce resistance in the form of a still-angry Autumn, who’s become even more beautiful and tempting in his years away.
Autumn doesn’t want his help, but Sam has never given up so easily. And what starts off as just doing his duty quickly becomes something much more personal.
Grace Henry needs a reboot. Laid off and unable to find a new job in her native NYC, Grace heads West to Wishing Texas to run her best friend’s bed and breakfast. Before she hits the city limits Grace rear ends the chief of police’s truck and as the mouth watering western dream peels off his shirt to clean her cut, she reminds herself what cops are like—cynical, inflexible, curious and controlling. Her NYPD father taught her that fact.
FBI agent AJ Quinn is undercover in Wishing to catch a forger. Though his best friend lives in Wishing and he always longed to buy land here, Wishing is an annoying detour from his purpose, working major cases and fulfilling the vow to his father to make a difference in the world. When Grace crashes into his life AJ suddenly finds himself questioning his life’s direction and determination to remain single.
Though Grace and AJ insist they don’t want a relationship and are wrong on too many levels to count, when the head says no, but the heart says yes…
The legendary wishing well in Wishing, Texas promises to grant wishes only if they are made for another…
New York artist Cassie Reynolds moves to Wishing, Texas to raise her orphaned niece, and discovers she’s in way over her head. Then she meets Ella’s financial guardian, Ty Barnett, a handsome hardworking rancher, with his own ideas on child rearing.
Ty and Cassie clash over almost everything, especially Ella, but when two people have the welfare of one child at heart, suddenly they find themselves looking at each other in a whole new light…
Will Ty make room for another lady in his life? And will Cassie allow herself to love a Texas cowboy?
She lives by a set of rules. He aims to break each one.
When Zane Logan returns to Wishing, Texas, he’s shocked to learn that his grandmother has hired an assistant to manage her wedding planning business as she heals from surgery. With five marriages between his parents, just the thought of weddings breaks him out in hives. To look out for his grandmother’s financial interests, Zane takes charge. He doesn’t trust easily, especially when the assistant is prettier than a Texas spring day.
Childhood taught McKenna Stinson an important rule: never count on anyone but yourself. She dreams of working hard to have her own business. Stepping in for a successful wedding planner in a small town known for big weddings is the perfect opportunity…until her employer’s grandson announces he’s the new boss. He’s cynical about love and knows nothing about weddings—so why is she falling for him?
Even worse, Zane’s so hot McKenna has to make up two new rules: don’t date a man more attractive than you and never, ever, date a man you work with.
They want different things, but they just might need each other
Barrel racer Cheyenne Whitten returns to Wishing, Texas, after an injury, determined to recuperate and return to the rodeo circuit. But living with her over-protective mother only adds to Cheyenne’s problems. Desperate to move out and reclaim her independence, Cheyenne believes a service dog is the answer. That is, until she learns the waiting list for one is up to five years.
Having lost his fiancée two years ago, Cooper Abbott wants to run his veterinarian clinic and rebuild his life. A calm, stable, uneventful life. Then Cheyenne shows up asking for help getting a service dog, and Cooper finds he can’t refuse the feisty redhead.
Cheyenne and Cooper insist a relationship is the last thing they want. Cheyenne is focused on her health and returning to the rodeo. Cooper’s heart is still raw from loss. But it could be they’re exactly what each other needs.
For rancher Chance Braxton, Josie Monroe was the classic girl next door. He’d fallen early and hard, but because her heart had belonged to his careless and indifferent brother, Chance had been permanently friend-zoned since Josie was a teen. Now Josie’s running her failing ranch all alone, and it’s time for Chance to step up and keep a promise he made to her dying mother – marry Josie and combine their ranches.
Josie Monroe doesn’t want help or need to be saved by anyone – especially her wealthy ranching neighbor and forever thorn in her paw, Chance Braxton. The serious, way-too-handsome cowboy has starred in too many of her fantasies, but he still sees her as a heart-broken girl. She’s a woman now, and she’s determined to prove everyone wrong: She can save her ranch and rebuild her father’s legacy…alone.
When Chance proposes, Josie’s problems are just beginning. So why does her pulse kick up every time he rides by and tips his Stetson?
Can they turn one spectacular night into a lifetime of love?
After a disastrous ride forces world champion saddle bronc rider Chase Walker back to his family’s ranch to recuperate, he’s happy to distract himself for a night with a mysterious, gorgeous woman. It should have just been a one-night stand, but she’s unforgettable.
Thanks to her cheating ex-fiancé, Ella Slade is done with rodeo cowboys…until she meets a sexy cowboy who catches a thief who stole her purse. What harm can one night of indulgence do? A lot, apparently, because when she arrives at her interview for a ranch manager job, Chase turns out to be her prospective boss. She’s adamant she won’t mix business with pleasure, but Chase suggests a deal—Ella takes the job, and they pretend that night never happened.
The longer they work together, the harder it is to pretend. Chase knows he’s falling for his midnight lover, but can he convince Ella to risk her heart again?
Can a kiss under the mistletoe be the beginning of a beautiful relationship?
Firefighter and paramedic Spencer McBride has never been tempted to change his happy-go-lucky bachelor status – until he literally runs into cute newcomer Georgie under the mistletoe.
Wounded after giving her heart to a man who wouldn’t commit, paramedic Georgie Durant has come to Last Stand, Texas, for a fresh start. Though tempted by the handsome Spencer, she’s too leery of his easy charm and the pitfalls of a workplace relationship to risk one with him.
But as they spend more time together amid the Christmas gaiety and Georgie sees Spencer’s dedication and devotion to the people he helps, she begins to wonder if this beguiling co-worker could be different.
Spencer has always been a man who knows what he wants – and he wants Georgie. But when the man from her past comes to town, determined to win her back, can Spencer convince Georgie to take another chance – with him?
Born to an Italian father and native Texas mother, Nico Lamon returns to Texas to launch an exclusive deal with the iconic Castle Department Store. Guilty for not being there when his father died, Nico has brought the House of Lamon back from the brink of bankruptcy. He devises a marketing gimmick that will benefit both the Castles and the House of Lamon: find the perfect woman to be the fashion line’s spokesperson and to wear the gorgeous Valentine shoes he personally designed. When he spots Eleanor in the crowd, he won’t stop until she’s that woman. His woman.
Eleanor Castle returns to Castle Department Store undercover as head of security, but she’s really back to reclaim her heritage and save both the store and her aging father. Eleanor has a plan to stop her evil stepmother from her devious doings and she won’t stop until she knows her face is safe. But when Nico spots her at a gala and decides she’s the one who should wear the shoes and that she’s also the one he wants in his life, Eleanor has to reevaluate her undercover plan. Nico slips a red shoe on her foot and captures her heart. How can she fall for a prince of a man without exposing herself and her bruised heart?
Still reeling from the unexpected sale of the land she and her horses live on, horse rescuer Kelsey Blaine is frantic when she comes home to find her possessions already boxed up and her house being bulldozed without any notice. Normally calm and kind, Kelsey becomes furious and impulsively cuts a privacy fence to confront the culprit–her mysterious neighbor, Joe.
Joe Kilcoyne is in a desperate place. He guards his secrets and hides from the world for a reason. He’s the hottest topic of speculation around Whiskey River, but no one has ever dared to get close to him. That is, until fiery Kelsey comes barging straight into his life.
The last thing Joe needs is for Kelsey to breach his defenses and make him confront his past. But when her sunny, open, and determined personality collide with a haunted man with no idea how to reconnect with the world, the sparks that ignite shock them both.
Zee Mahan had always known the boy she loved would leave one day–Whiskey River was too small to hold the talent and charisma of Jamie Templeton forever. She just didn’t realize that when he left, it would break her hometown heart.
Jamie had never lied to Zee about his plans, and when he’d left for the bright lights—and made it big—he’d thought she understood. She’d loved him and his music and had encouraged him to chase his dream. Sure, he could have gone home for a visit, but when his band caught fire, he was afraid to interrupt their momentum.
When the crazy world he was living in turned on him, Jamie walked away—back to the only place he could think of to go….home. But was it too late to find forgiveness and rekindle the fire with the only woman he’d ever loved?
When widower Truett Mahan finds a trespasser hiding in one of his building renovation projects, he thinks he has a runaway teen on his hands. He’s right about the runaway, but Hope Larson is all woman, and in desperate need of help. True never turns away a person in trouble, but helping Hope wakes up feelings and dreams he thought buried with his wife years ago.
Hope was forced to run to protect the people she loves, paring her life down to what fits in her backpack. True tempts her to stop running and set down some roots in Whiskey River, a town she’s come to love.
Can this strong, honorable man help her retake her life, or will the danger she’d left behind strike out at them both?
