I love that time of day called the “golden hour,” right after sunrise, or before sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon. When the soft, honey-toned light creates a glow. I feel like there are some moments in life like this, so good that you just want to sit and bask in the glow and squeeze every last drop from it.

Well right before every book launch, I feel like I’m in this Golden Hour. Everything is glowing, and there is this underlying excitement. Will this book be “the one?” The one to find all the readers searching for their next heartwarming, steamy romance read?

You probably have something in your life that gives you this feeling. It could even be the moment you start a new book and you realize you’re going to love it.

This week I’m sharing my tenth book with you and I’m going to try to bask in this Golden Hour as much as I can.

Maybe this is my ‘The One’. Maybe people will take one look at this gorgeous cover, and hear southern, cowboy, in a small beach town, and devour the entire series? Maybe everything will be Golden.

I hope you’ll read The Cowboy’s Catch and fall for Miranda and Renn, just as hard as I did when I wrote this book. I love writing about these women that face hardships but have the grit to not only persevere but succeed, and of course find a dreamy hero along the way. Please enjoy chapter one below.

~XO Stella

Excerpt

THE COWBOY’S CATCH-

Chapter One: Miranda

Try me

No matter how hard she tried to resist the sting of tears, big fat drops rolled down Miranda Sutton’s cheeks as she walked down Main Street. The same fifty-foot walk she did every Wednesday afternoon after spending the morning doing all her ranch chores. A reward trip into the heart of the small beach town of Sandy Point, to the library where she’d swap out all the books she’d taken out the week before. She knew this walk like the back of her hand, and since she hadn’t finished the final romance book she’d borrowed, she was reading the last chapter as she walked.

But if she hadn’t had her face buried in the book she would have looked up in time to notice the tall, dark-haired stranger before she ran right into him.

“Whoa, are you okay? Walking while reading isn’t recommended.” The man had a deep voice with a thick country accent.

His chin had brushed the top of her head when she ran into him and now his two warm hands gently gripped her upper arms to steady her. His scent was crisp and manly. She could feel the warmth of his body with him standing so close, and she nearly dropped her book as she looked up into his big eyes framed by long flirty lashes, because one was brown and the other was half brown and half icy blue. It was impossible not to gawk at his interesting eyes and chiseled jawline. He looked how she imagined the villain turned hero from her current historical romance book was described.

“I’m sorry.” She swiped at her wet cheek and realized how strange she probably seemed.

“Must be a really good book to cause such an emotional reaction.” He took a step back, but his hand reached out to turn the cover over.

“The Rogue and the Heiress. Hmmm I bet she tames him, and they live happily ever after?” he said, with a faint smile pulling at the right side of his handsome face.

“So, you’ve read it then?” she couldn’t help teasing him.

“Maybe I should.”

She didn’t know what else to say, so she painted on her sassiest smile. “You’ll want to start with book one in the series.” Then she walked away toward the library door that was just being unlocked by the librarian, who was looking suspiciously from Miranda to the stranger.

“Thanks for the recommendation,” the stranger called out and tipped his ball cap up before heading back down the street in the opposite direction.

“Who was that?” the librarian said.

“I don’t know—probably just some tourist passing through.”

“Huh, hope he sticks around for a bit because he looks like an interesting character to me.”

“Mrs. Hope, you’re a married woman.”

“But I’m always on the lookout for a good story. Speaking of which, how did you like that final book in the series?”

“You’ve outdone yourself. I was just blubbering on the sidewalk finishing the last few pages when I ran into that man. I was captivated.”

Mrs. Hope was not only the local librarian, but she was also secretly writing romance novels under a pen name. Said she didn’t want her three teenage boys to get weirded out or picked on over the steamy, romantic books she wrote. After Miranda started checking out several books a week, she made friends with the middle-aged woman and they kept each other’s secrets.

“How are things out on the ranch?” Mrs. Hope asked.

“Still alright, but I’ve got all my eggs and then some piled in the same basket. Counting on these breeder horse shows where I’ll basically be pimping out my two studs to mate and promising thoroughbred ponies.”

“Good. No time for doubt. Stay the course and you’ll make it happen. You’ve got the grit, Miranda. And what about that other issue?”

“You mean my second failed engagement, and being treated like Hester from The Scarlet Letter at last week’s Beach Club event?”

The librarian nodded as she walked behind the large desk where she had a stack of new books for Miranda already picked out.

“Well, they were all going to figure out I was a fraud at some point. I can’t afford to pay the dues there anymore anyway. And I refuse to marry some old man twice my age just to save the ranch my father double-mortgaged into debt.”

“Good. I was worried for a minute there.”

“I really thought Mr. Dubois wanted to help, but it became very clear he wanted much more than that.” She shook off the creepy feeling she’d had when her father’s friend gave her an ultimatum—either she would become his real wife and give him another son, or he was going to end their engagement.

So, she ended it on her terms but not without some drama. For so many years she’d been a part of that upper-class beach-club scene. She’d been engaged to Mr. Dubois’ son, John, for a year before she found him cheating on her. Then she panicked when her dad died suddenly, and she discovered how much debt they were in. Mr. Dubois had said he’d help her get out of debt if she agreed to be his business partner, then he’d proposed a marriage of convenience, but in the end, she couldn’t go through with it. So now she needed to figure out how to turn a profit in the next two months with her horses or she was going to have to make some aggressive decisions about selling the ranch.

“I better get back out there—I don’t like leaving Sara too long.”

“You’re a good girl, Miranda Sutton, so good I’ve decided to name my next fearless heroine after you. You’re going to love this one. Her estate is at risk—there will be pirates, and an unexpected benefactor.”

“I hope she gets ravished by a handsome scoundrel who is actually madly in love with her,” Miranda said as she repacked her library tote with all the new books her friend had selected for her.

“Obviously, and I think I’ll give him broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline.”

“Very original.” They both laughed. “I’ll see you next week,” Miranda said, and waved before leaving.

Back outside she looked around for any handsome strangers, but the sidewalk was empty on her route back to her beat-up truck. Her fancy car had been the first thing she’d sold when she realized she couldn’t keep up with all the expenses on the ranch and couldn’t afford to live a lie. But she had people counting on her so she couldn’t fail. She’d have to figure it out one way or the other.

P.S. Join me in Tule’s Book Club on Facebook today at 7pm EST to celebrate the launch of The Cowboy’s Catch.

~XO Stella

About the Author

Author of your next binge-worthy romance series, Stella has been plotting sexy, tear-jerker stories since she was old enough to hold a pencil. Born a Georgia peach, Stella loves all things country but calls the beach home even though she’s currently living outside D.C. with her family. Most days she can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking.

Stella’s first series featuring first responders debuts in 2023. You can find her on Instagram @stellaholtbooks and www.stellaholt.com

GIVEAWAY: Because who doesn’t love FREE books?

We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book copy of one of our June 2026 releases!

Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected and announced at the end of the month.

Good luck and happy reading!

The Cowboy’s Unexpected Family

By Nicole Flockton

ingle mom Rebecca Dorchester swore she’d never chase another bad decision—until she packs up her daughter and her sentimental father for a risky reunion with the biological mother and half-sisters she never knew in Marietta, Montana. She definitely doesn’t need the complication of a rugged, heart-stopping cowboy who catches her little girl mid-tumble on day one. But one smoldering look from Harrison Drake, and Rebecca’s carefully guarded heart starts to thaw.

Harrison Drake’s ranch is his entire legacy—land, cattle, and the family name he’s always expected to pass down. Lately, though, the empty spaces in his life have been louder than the Montana wind. When he meets Rebecca and her daughter, he knows exactly what he’s been missing: a woman to love, a family to build.

With old wounds, family drama, and hard-won trust on the line, can Rebecca risk her heart again—and can Harrison prove that this time, love isn’t just another complication?

The Lady’s Forbidden Marquess

By Kristin Vayden

Rakes make the best husbands, or so she’s heard.

This season, Lady Peregrine intends to test that theory by choosing a rake to reform. The flirting is heady but reading between the lines is not so simple. She longs for passion and an interesting husband but discovers she’s not as worldly as she’d imagined.

Her brother fears his intelligent but stubborn sister is courting ruin. Rakes aren’t to be baited. He enlists the help of his oldest friend, Lord Hawthorne—a notorious rake–to both protect and teach her a lesson.

Lord Hawthorne avoids most polite society events. He’s not looking for a wife, but he cannot refuse his oldest friend. He intends to charm the impetuous beauty and turn the tables, hopefully changing her mind. But he underestimates the power of her sharp wit, innocence and discerning nature. She sees through his rake’s facade to his true self.The seducer is seduced, endangering his heart and hard-built reputation.

As jealous eyes watch and scheme and society judges, both Lady Peregrine and Lord Hawthorne dance on the edge of scandal if they court or if they don’t.

The Cowboy’s Pretend Bride

By Megan Crane

It was supposed to be a favor. It was never supposed to feel real.

When the Colorado ranch Finn Patrick expected to inherit is sold, he follows his sister to Cowboy Point to meet the half-siblings they never knew existed. Time to figure out what comes next.

Kitty Bennett isn’t part of the plan. Sharp-tongued, wary-eyed, and fiercely protective of her family’s beloved Mountain Mama pizza shop, Kitty has no time for distractions. Especially volcanically hot ones.

But when her otherwise wonderful landlord makes it clear Kitty needs a husband if she wants to buy the restaurant at last, Finn is the obvious choice—because nothing about his stay in Montana is permanent. They can fake the whole thing. She’s confident she and Finn are on the same page, and the plan will go smoothly.

The only problem?

Finn has wanted Kitty in every possible way. He’s wanted her since he first laid eyes on her. And he knows exactly what he tastes when he kisses her—forever. Now he needs to convince her that there’s nothing fake about them, after all.

Marked by the Alpha 

By Sheritta Bitikofer

An alpha with a storied legacy. An independent woman rebuilding after grief. Forbidden desire—for only one is human….

After her mother’s death, photographer Erica Barrett, buys a home she and her mother obsessed over during her childhood in the quaintly historical town of Tolstone. Her magnetic next door neighbor intrigues and disturbs her. The sensual pull feels otherworldly.

Wolf shifter Dominic Beaumont never wanted to be the prime alpha of the sanctuary city, Tolstone, but when his father dies, he’s forced to step up as pack leader and prime alpha over all the wolf packs sheltering in his town. Erica’s arrival is dangerous. The attraction is fierce and instant, but duty comes first.

When revelations about Erica’s past and parentage create chaos, and she questions everything she thought she knew about herself, Dominic is her strength. But as tension builds in the pack, and his leadership is challenged, love becomes a risk that could cost him his authority, his people, and everything he’s sworn to protect.

Colton

By LaQuette

An undercover Texas Ranger, An IT specialist under pressure. An impossible choice. 

Former soldier and by-the-book Texas Ranger Colton Adams is ready to come clean. After months undercover at Restoration Ranch, he’s finally earned a shot at redemption—and the chance to tell sexy, guarded IT specialist Seneca Daniels the truth about who he really is. But before he can beg forgiveness for the lies he told to protect her, danger bursts back into their world. His mission isn’t over—and now the target is Seneca.

Ex-con Seneca Daniels came to Restoration Ranch to rebuild her life, not fall for a man with secrets. Betrayed before, she swore never to risk her heart—or her freedom—again. But when her past returns in the form of the man who once tormented her, she’s trapped between two threats: the one who broke her and the one who lied to save her.

As risks escalate and passions flare, Colton puts it all on the line to keep her safe. But Seneca’s no one’s damsel—especially when she just might be the deadliest threat of all.

Last Man Standing

By Jill Sorenson

Vanessa Nava returns to her Texas hometown as a newly divorced single mom, determined to give her imaginative four-year-old daughter a magical summer. But the serene lakeside cabin she rented? Double-booked. The current occupant is the hottest, grumpiest handyman she’s ever met—claiming it’s under construction and strictly off-limits.

Paul McPherson, a Houston native recovering from a gunshot wound, has retreated to Lost Lake to hide and heal in peace. He won’t share his safe haven with anyone—especially not the sheriff’s daughter and her bubbly little girl. Vanessa is stunning, stubborn, and way too tempting for a man with secrets.

Vanessa paid upfront and refuses to leave. She sets up camp on his doorstep, transforming mishap into lake days filled with laughter, lemonade stands, and hot summer nights—sending Paul’s buried protective instincts into overdrive.

Texas heat ignites a scorching affair neither saw coming. But when danger closes in and Paul’s cover is blown, Vanessa must decide: walk away from the summer fling… or fight for a love that could last forever?

Time’s Up, Cowboy

By Paula Altenburg

She’s a wild-child heiress intent on eluding an arranged marriage. He’s the stoic cowboy tasked with protecting her.

Malika George, a resourceful, happy-go-lucky and freedom loving daughter of privilege is trapped by her billionaire brother in Burning Scrub, a former ghost town, now exclusive Wild West Montana theme park. Malika has plans for her life that don’t include a groom she doesn’t know or like. She’s tried to run away once, but now her brother has her locked down off-the-grid in Montana so she can’t make it twice.

Full-time rancher and part-time Burning Scrub cowboy Jayce Hanson has his own marital problems. The woman he loves is marrying another man, crushing his happily- ever-after dreams. When he’s tasked with entertaining a VIP’s baby sister during her Wild West theme park adventure, he doesn’t object. He loves children and it’s not as if he’ll be having his own anytime soon.

Except the client’s baby sister is a headstrong, impulsive and beautiful woman wilder than the West, and she’s hellbent on escape. Then her fiancé shows up, and Jayce has his hands full—mostly while trying to keep his hands off.

The Cowboy’s Catch

By Stella Holt

A quarterback with a secret. A cowgirl with a past. Undeniable sparks. One small town watching their every move…

Renn Ripley has spent his career as a second string quarterback in Atlanta staying out of the spotlight until a shot at the playoffs throws him into the media’s crosshairs. One wrong headline could expose the secret he’s kept since childhood. To control the fallout, Renn heads to Sandy Point. He didn’t anticipate hooking up with  a sexy cowgirl whose kiss feels like a promise and reminds him of his ranch roots.

Miranda Sutton doesn’t get second chances in a town that remembers every mistake. Between running her family’s struggling horse ranch, watching out for her teenage brother and caring for her ill step-mother, she’s learned one hard truth: no man will rescue her. But Miranda has grit and a plan. She’s determined to forget her delicious one night indiscretion with the gorgeous cowboy stranger with the smoldering eyes even though he tempts her to abandon her no more men plan.

Falling for each other could cost them everything…or finally give them both something worth fighting for.

Her Cowboy Dilemma

By CJ Carmichael