He's Just The Hired Help…What kind of cockeyed Pollyanna is Colin Cade working for? Her porch is rotting, her «guest cabin» is cheerless and her land and livestock have only a geriatric cowboy to care for them. Yet Hannah Shaw is positive she can turn her ranch into a successful B and B–and that Colin's the man to make it happen.But Colin can't stick around. He lives with the loss of his family by avoiding the memories, and the way he feels around Hannah and her young son is like a knife to the heart. Trouble is, he's better at ignoring his own pain than someone else's, and bright, cheerful Hannah has a heart as haunted as his own. She deserves to be happy–but could she really be with him?
FIND YOUR SISTERThree words scrawled on a piece of paper just upended Abby Winchester's world. She'd never known she even had a sister. Abby's sure she'll learn the truth after traveling to the sleepy Texas town where she was born. And tall, brooding Clay Tanner may find the answers she needs, even if he does look more like a cowboy than a PI.The petite blonde who just hired him is tempting Clay to break his rule not to get involved with a client. But the former ATF agent isn't ready for a relationship – not after what once happened on his watch. Still, helping Abby uncover family secrets makes him wonder if it's time to put his own past to rest. Is Abby willing to face an uncertain future – together?
A DIFFERENT KIND OF HEROEveryone knows Victor Vicario—he’s the scarred loner who’s on his way to the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. But no one knows about the guilt that drives him. And until he achieves his goal, there’s no room in his life for attachments.So when Vic is given temporary custody of his young nephew, he is torn. He can’t turn his back on family, but how can he look after a kid when he’s travelling the rodeo circuit? Then he runs into feisty barrel racer Tanya McGee and makes her an offer. She helps him with Alex, and he’ll pay her rodeo expenses. The problem is their little “family” starts to feel all too real.
WAITING…TO FALL IN LOVEStepping onto her estranged father’s Colorado ranch, Brooke Harper hoped to find the missing piece of the puzzle that’s left a hole in her heart – her long lost sister. But the Lucky Bar L is deserted…except for the tall and rugged cowboy, Trent Landry, who is taking care of the place while the owners are away. She’s determined to wait until the family she’s never met returns home…And Trent will keep an eye on the mysterious Brooke until he finds out if she is telling the truth about finding her sister. Spending time alone with her, watching her take to ranch life as if she’s a natural, he realizes she is definitely not a threat—except maybe to his heart.
From green beret to greenhornMyra Odell’s parents have given away her Montana ranch—to a tenderfoot. Lieutenant Zeke Maxwell may have saved her brother's life, but he doesn’t know the first thing about cattle. For the sake of the ranch, Myra agrees to train Zeke, but she’s determined not to get too close.The military taught Zeke a lot of things, but ranching wasn’t one of them. Zeke is impressed by Myra’s experience and courage…but seriously distracted by her beautiful eyes. Her claim on the Flying Owl is complicated, as is her claim on his heart. Can he prove to Myra that the ranch will never be his home without her?
THE COWBOY SHE LEFT BEHINDSeeing the love of his life after ten years is a shock for Lane Morgan. Especially when he learns the Italian-born beauty who broke his teenage heart is now a widowed single mother. And she’s the new barn manager at Bridle Dance Ranch—a job that should have been his.Lucy Travisonno never dreamed she’d return to the Texas horse ranch where she and Lane fell in love—much less as his boss! The spark between them is stronger than ever. But there’s something Lane doesn’t know… If she reveals her long-held secret, will Lucy lose her second chance with the handsome cowboy?
FAMILY MATTERSMackenzie Vaughn is determined to learn to run the Montana ranch she’s inherited—even if it means relying on Chet Granger. Years ago, the serious (and seriously handsome) cowboy broke up her relationship with his younger brother, and Mack doesn’t want to remember that heartache.Chet knows gorgeous, spunky Mack is off-limits. His brother would never forgive him, and Chet always puts family first…until he can no longer ignore his feelings. If Chet gives in to his heart, he’ll lose his brother and the ranch they share—if he doesn’t, he could lose Mackenzie forever.
COWBOY IN A KILTWhen former bronc rider Lavonda Leigh is asked to guide a Scottish archaeologist through the Arizona desert, she's expecting a fussy egghead. But then she discovers tall, strong Jones Kincaid competing at the local Highland games. She can’t help her interest in him—and that's before he puts on his cowboy hat and hits the trail like a pro.Jones is after more than he's letting on. His quest could clear a past scandal and let him live his dream—studying the old West. But as he spends time with Lavonda in this rugged landscape, he realizes that what he wants isn’t just academic: he yearns for a life with her on the ranch. If she discovers his deception, this professor-turned-cowboy will lose his reputation…and Lavonda, too.
A husband for Christmas?Mitch Weston's back in Cowboy Creek, and self-proclaimed matchmaker Jed Garland has his single granddaughter Andi on his mind. Mitch is a lawman, good with the little ones and easy on the eyes. He and Andi were high school sweethearts, for heaven's sake! Why can't they see they're perfect for each other?Because Andi already lost one husband to a dangerous job, and now she's all about playing it safe, for her sake and her children's. Being a cop is everything to Mitch. After discovering Jed's plan, Mitch and Andi come up with their own: they'll pretend to get engaged and then break up due to irreconcilable differences. Jed's got his work cut out for him—because this match needs a Christmas miracle!
A COWBOY’S FAITHRancher Garrett Marshall’s life revolves around the Circle M, his work as a minister and his camp for at-risk kids. Until Dr. Rachel Vale comes to town. There’s an instant and powerful attraction between Garrett and the beautiful doctor…one he’s convinced could lead to something wonderful.Rachel can’t fall for the cowboy minister, no matter how kind and ruggedly handsome he may be. His whole life is rooted in faith, and her world is guided by facts. One fact she can’t deny—she’s falling for Garrett anyway. Will Rachel keep her distance, or will she finally let her heart lead her home?
A CHRISTMAS AS BIG AS TEXAS!His entire town was counting on Chase Langtry to win the championship title. Instead, the injured bull rider is slinking back to the family ranch. But how can he stay out of the spotlight with relentless reporter Nola West following him home from Vegas? His humiliating loss just can't be her next story!Nola's attraction to the youngest son of Ramblewood's First Family is shaking her hard-won confidence. And it looks like the only scoop she'll get is covering the Mistletoe Rodeo charity event. She's never been a big fan of the holiday. Until Chase vows to show her a Christmas she'll never forget…ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUMEA HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Laura Marie Altom
UNEXPECTED FAMILY… After a tour in Afghanistan and years as a trauma surgeon, Alonso Marquez needs to get out of Albuquerque and away from his past. A trip seems like the perfect solution, but he doesn't make it far. Sparks fly when Alonso stops to help a gorgeous rancher fix her car, and just like that his road trip is cut short by one very hot night…with some very real consequences.Hannah Buck didn't plan on starting a family that night. Her hands are already full managing the ranch and helping her troubled half brother. But Hannah sees the good in Alonso and knows he will be an incredible dad to their baby—if only he could see it, too. Alonso has spent his life saving others. Now, with Hannah at his side, can he finally save himself?
A REASON TO STAYRanch manager Pete Brannigan has no interest in playing tour guide to a city slicker like Jane Garland. But spending a few days with the headstrong photographer is a small price to pay for everything her grandfather has given the single dad. Though Pete's drawn to Jane's sharp wit and striking beauty, he won't hurt his young children by falling for another woman who puts her career before family.Jane's seen the world through her camera…and used it to shield her emotions. With Pete, she can finally let her guard down. If only he could do the same. Despite their powerful bond, Pete still can't trust Jane with his kids or his heart. But if he keeps pushing her away, he may ruin any chance their relationship has to develop.
TOO CLOSE TO HOMECassidy Beckett has a secret she's kept for six years: the identity of her son's father. She can't hide the truth much longer. The Easy Money Arena's new bull manager, Shane Westcott, also happens to be the boy's handsome uncle. But Cassidy will do anything to protect her young son, even if it means steeling her heart against Shane's nearly irresistible charm.It doesn't take Shane long to figure out two things–Cassidy's son is his nephew, and his feelings for the boy's beautiful mother go way beyond friendship. As a single dad, Shane knows how important a father is to a child. He also knows the men in Cassidy's life have let her down before. Can Shane convince Cassidy to face the truth without losing her trust…or his heart?
TO TELL THE TRUTH… Bridgett Jameson is the talk of Ramblewood… and not in a good way! With her newfound sister moving to town, her true father being exposed, and the knowledge that her mother has lied to her since birth, Bridgett wants to get the heck out of Dodge. But when a handsome, mysterious stranger arrives, she finds her determination wavering.His family wants nothing to do with him, and Adam Steele can’t say he blames them. He’s denied their existence for years in his pursuit of fame and glory. Now he just wants to be a regular guy. Ramblewood may be the best place for a fresh start… especially if Bridgett sticks around. But will exposing his past—and the lies he’s told—cost him a future with the woman he loves?
Wild At HartNo man should look as good as Austin Wright. Especially when that man is a suspect in a string of burglaries. And Sheriff Dinah Hart can’t afford the distraction. Roundup’s thieves are growing bolder and Thunder Ranch’s prize stallion, Midnight, is still missing, putting the Harts’ entire livelihood at risk.Dinah needs to focus, because she’s worked too hard to earn the town’s respect just to throw it away on a fling. Austin knows he’s got a bad reputation. He’s been following his father’s self-destructive footsteps for far too long. Now he’s finally ready to take the first step toward fixing his life, and convincing people that he’s changed, especially Dinah.But when Austin discovers an unexpected connection to Midnight’s disappearance, will Dinah see him for the man he was, or the one he’s trying to become?
This Land Is Not For Sale!The Triple Canyon Ranch isn’t just land to single mom Erin Monroe. It’s a place her family has called home for generations, a place to raise her kids, a place where she’s known love and loss. She’s not about to hand it over to outsider Mac Wheeler, no matter how good the city slicker looks in those custom boots she made for him. He can find some other place for his wind farm!Years ago, tragedy made Erin close off a part of her heart for good. Mac, with his smooth talk and smoother kisses, can’t possibly be the one to heal that hurt. But as Erin learns more about Mac’s past, she realizes there’s more to him than meets the eye. Which makes holding onto the ranch more important than ever…
“Holy Smokes. I'm A Father.”Sabrina McKinley broke Jonas’s heart when she left him for another man. Then the eldest Callahan brother gets the surprise of his life when he sees her again…holding his son. Even at six months, his bouncing baby boy was wearing the legendary Callahan smile!Which means Sabrina has got to marry him, even if Jonas has to drag her to the altar. Sabrina’s been head over heels for the hunky cowboy doctor since the day she first came to Rancho Diablo, but it’s always been Jonas keeping her at arm’s length.She won’t settle for anything less than the real deal—the love and happiness that Jonas’s five brothers have found. But when a revelation about a family secret comes out, Sabrina can see Jonas is ready to look toward the future. He won’t be the last bachelor on the ranch. After all, he’s a Callahan!
The Best Man In Laramie She’s no damsel in distress, but Shelly Meyerson may just need a white knight like deputy sheriff Colt McCabe. Thanks to her scheming ex-husband, Shelley’s about to lose her home. The last person she wants to turn to for help is Colt, the guy who broke her heart the night of the high school prom.But now that she’s back in Laramie, there’s no avoiding him – especially when they’re both serving in the same wedding party. True, the handsome, gallant lawman is a valuable ally. And he seems genuinely interested in Shelley and her little boy. She could definitely use a friend… and maybe something more.Rekindling their romance is easy – but learning to trust again is hard. Especially when Shelley learns that Colt’s been keeping a secret that could cost him his badge….
When Justin McCabe hired a master carpenter to help build his ranch for troubled teens, tall, gorgeous blonde Amanda Johnson isn’t quite what he’d imagined. But not only can she do the job, she has a thing or two to teach him about judging by appearances.And, more important, she has a knack for reaching the kind of kid Justin wants to help. Amanda hadn’t counted on her new boss – all strapping six-foot-five of him – being so utterly irresistible. Working side by side under the scorching Texas sun, the two of them make a great team – in every way possible. The heat of summer is no match for the sizzle they generate whenever they’re together. But when a crisis forces Amanda to face her past, she’ll need to make a heart-wrenching decision about her future…whether Justin is in it or not.
A home for the holidays—that’s a pretty tall order, with Christmas only a few weeks away. But venture capitalist and single father Derek McCabe never takes no for an answer.And he’s certain that Eve Loughlin is just the Realtor to find a house for him and his young daughter. Derek needs more than shelter, though. Being with Eve makes him aware of all he’s missing: Love, companionship, and a beautiful woman to share his life. Eve is all business, but there’s no denying the attraction that keeps bringing them together long after the contract is signed. Derek knows just what he wants. Can he get past that cool exterior and make her his own Christmas Eve?
The Heart Of The Matter Beau Adams should be focused on getting himself and Midnight, the Harts' prized stallion, to the National Finals Rodeo, but he can’t stop thinking about the feisty Sierra Byrne. They have an electric connection, and Beau hopes it's the beginning of something more.As much as Sierra wants to be with Beau, anything long-term is out of the question. A recently diagnosed eye disease will soon leave her blind, and she can’t ask a rising rodeo star like Beau to take on that responsibility.Though she tries to pretend their tryst was just another item on her bucket list, Sierra’s true feelings run a lot deeper. Will she let her affliction steal not only her sight, but her dreams of happiness, as well?
A Hart’s Greatest GiftMarine Staff Sergeant Tomas “Tuf” Hart is beginning to understand why they say “you can never go home again.” Still grappling with the mental scars of battle, Tuf’s just learned that Thunder Ranch is in trouble. Now, the Harts are banking everything on their stallion, Midnight, winning the National Finals Rodeo. The only easy part of Tuf’s homecoming was falling for his high school crush all over again.Cheyenne Sundell has always been drawn to Tuf. But as a single mom of twin daughters, she’s wary of getting involved, especially with another military man. Cheyenne’s disastrous marriage taught her that war changed men, and not always for the better. Tuf and Cheyenne have been through hell and back. But with a little hope and a lot of holiday spirit, they just might find a way to heal themselves…and each other.
Home Is Where The Hart Is…Aidan “Ace” Hart left Flynn McKinley heartbroken when he put family duty above her feelings. Then one night, the old passions were reignited and now Flynn is about to get something she's always wanted—a child to love. Ace takes his responsibilities very seriously.Running Thunder Ranch and his busy veterinary practice leaves little time for a personal life. That'll only get worse now that he's spending every spare minute with Midnight, the champion rodeo stallion he hopes will save the ranch from financial disaster. Flynn refuses to marry Ace and be yet one more “responsibility” to him. She wants Ace to want to marry her! And until he admits he loves her, she’s determined to raise her baby alone…