Title Cowboy Ely (Book 7, Cooper’s Hawke Landing)
Author Rhonda Lee Carver
Genre Contemporary Western Romance
Book Blurb
To really move forward, sometimes it takes going back to the very beginning.
Trying to escape a bad relationship, and desperate to find a safe place for her daughter, Megan Nash returns to Cooper’s Hawk. Down-on-her-luck, she has no other choice but to ask her estranged father-in-law for help. He still blames her for the accident that killed his son, but learning that he has a granddaughter, he offers them a roof over their heads…just until Megan can get back on her feet. Yet, being civil isn’t part of the bargain.
Ely Dutton has physically healed from a mortar blast that left him injured and scarred, but he’s still on the mend mentally. Realizing hiding away in an isolated cabin on a mountain isn’t helping, he decided to go back to his childhood home. He accepts the position as Sheriff, because a man has to live. He likes things simple, so when an old connection is sparked with Megan, he attempts to ignore his attraction. A relationship, especially with a single mother, isn’t part of his five-year plan.
Further complicating what should have been an easy job as Sheriff, he must shed light on a mysterious death that is connected to Megan. As new clues are exposed, so are the secret layers of her past.
In a quest to navigate their new lives and old demons, Megan and Ely will learn to trust, love with all their hearts, and let go of hurtful ties.
Excerpt:
“Damn. I’m sorry, ma’am.” A pair of piercing blue eyes speared him. A large brown stain marred her pretty frilly, white blouse.
“Oh no. My shirt is ruined.” Her glowing cheeks flushed and her lips turned down at the corners.
“I had my head turned for a second and…shit…again, I’m sorry.”
Before she lowered her gaze, he caught the glint of unshed tears in her eyes. Oh hell, now why would he cry over spilled coffee?
“I know what you were looking at,” her voice cracked. She rummaged inside her large bag and brought out a handful of crumpled tissues, attempting to wipe at the spill but by then the murky wetness had spread. “It’s no use.”
“Can I get you something? I can run into the store here and grab a bottle of water. A towel? Maybe they have a public restroom you can use.”
Her eyes were back on him, all remnants of tears gone in exchange for a stubborn shine. “You’re not the only one using the sidewalk.”
He blinked. What the hell? “Ma’am, it’s only a shirt.”
“Only a shirt?” The color of her eyes turned a shade darker. “Only a shirt? That is only a shirt.” She pointed at his wrinkled, khaki button-down. “This is not.” She stabbed her thumb in the center of her chest.
“Look, I understand you’re pissed—”
“Because you couldn’t keep your eyes off your girlfriend’s ass I’m paying the price.” Tears filled her eyes again. She looked like she wavered a step away from losing her patience right there on the sidewalk.
“Actually, she isn’t my girlfriend—”
“Do you think I care?” She sniffed. Her bottom lip trembled.
“If you’d let me finish a sentence before you cut me off, you’d realize I’m trying to help. It was an accident.” He looked down at the cup and lid laying in a puddle of coffee on the concrete. Ely realized they were growing an audience. Several folks at the food crates in front of the farmer’s market had stopped to watch, some wore smiles and others were whispering. Damn, the last thing he needed was to give folks something to talk about. He planted a smile on his face, hoping that might crush any rumors.
“You think this is funny?” Her drilling eyes worked straight through him.
The last thread of his patience frayed. “You be sure to wash that shirt in cold water. You have a great rest of your day.” He crushed on the cup, picked it and the lid up and tossed them into a trashcan on his way to the office.
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Author Biography
Rhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable. By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS). Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
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