Title: Finders Keepers, Cowboy
Author: Rachelle Paige Campbell
Genre: Sweet, contemporary Western romance
Book Blurb:
Meg Hawke’s antique store is faltering. When her octogenarian neighbor Hank asks her to clean out his shed and sell antiques on consignment, she has a real chance at discovering forgotten treasure. If she steps foot on the Montana ranch, however, she’ll come face-to-face with her childhood frenemy and Hank’s grandson, Ryan.
After selling off the ranch’s cattle years before, Ryan Kincaid dove into the world of high-end tourism, devoting everything to the business. For his sanity, he avoids his annoying known-her-since-childhood neighbor, Meg. With the forced proximity of the shed project happening in his backyard, though, he’s singing a different tune. Perhaps he’d been wrong about her.
A surprise discovery spurs both change and challenge, and they’re forced to choose the potential of ever-after or forget each other and finally move on forever.
Excerpt:
Colby padded back to him.
Ryan scratched the dog on the head once and then raised the hand to massage his aching chest. “You heading home? Or you plan on blocking my drive for the rest of the evening?” He frowned at Meg.
She rolled her eyes. “I’ve been here all of ten minutes. Don’t blame me for your poor timing.”
Or good. “You know, for someone who once accused me of rolling my eyes at her, I can’t help but point out you are almost always staring heavenward in my company.”
She blushed.
He smiled and scrubbed his hands over his face. When had he pulled behind her little SUV, he whistled an upbeat tune. He wanted a chance to apologize for his poor behavior this morning and fate provided him the opportunity. He dropped his hands to his sides and lifted the corner of his mouth. “You’re probably right.”
“Excuse me?” She widened her gaze. “Can you please repeat your statement?”
He gritted his molars. This was exactly the reason he never admitted to being wrong on the few occasions the rare occurrence happened. Other people tended to gloat when he needed grace. “I’m sorry.”
“Hmm. Not quite what you said, but I’ll take it. She smiled and sashayed past him, elbowing him in the sore ribs as she passed. “Walk me to my car, cowboy. I’ve had a long day.”
Up close, he caught a hint of lavender wafting in the air again. He could identify the scent anywhere. He remembered watching Grandma and her best friend work on the little sachets. In the first few months after her passing, Hank had declared himself allergic to the herb. He wanted all trace of the potpourri eliminated from the house.
Ryan hid one heart-shaped packet in the bottom drawer. Try as it might, the little sachet stood no chance against the lingering stench in his socks even after a thorough laundering. If he focused on thinking about his smelly feet, he’d ignore the other sensations racking his body at her hot breath so close to his collar. She made the same lavender scent her own, different from the sachet with a hint of soap he couldn’t identify. He tipped his hat and turned. “Ma’am, let me escort you and your dog off my land.”
She batted his arm and laughed. “Stop teasing me, and don’t be mad. I only came by at Hank’s request.”
“Oh?” He studied her from the corner of his gaze.
“Eric authenticated the photos. I’m sure Hank wants to tell you the details. I’d hate to spoil his fun.” She sighed.
He narrowed his gaze.
“Oh, okay, I’ll tell you a little more. Eric wants to do research, so he’ll stay a little longer on the ranch. I promised to help, when I can of course. I had a great day at the store. It’s a nice first wave of tourists you’ve brought here. Very deep pockets.” She smiled.
Warmth spread through him. He couldn’t take any credit for the shoppers but was glad for her good day. He didn’t want her to leave. His silence encouraged her old pattern of rambling. Instead of the flare of annoyance as she spoke, he almost smiled. He liked how she couldn’t hold herself back from blurting every thought in her head. He only had one issue. “Eric?” He arched a brow.
She turned pink and fumbled with the purse on her arm. She studied the contents with far more interest than him or her path.
Rounding the house, they’d reach her vehicle in another few strides. First, they had to cross the bigger rocks he’d hauled up from the pond to create a boundary so Hank didn’t drive the truck into the porch. She wasn’t looking. She stepped on a rock, lodging her shoe and flailing her arms.
He reached out and grabbed her, hauling her against his chest as he lifted her over the rock. In his arms, he wrapped an arm around her waist, gripping her slight frame. If he wasn’t careful, she’d slip through his grasp. He was so used to her being a force of nature he never considered how small her actual stature was. He set her down on the ground but didn’t drop his grip or move back.
Her chest rose and fell with rapid, shallow breaths.
In the light from the porch, her hair glimmered and sparkled again. Her eyes shone bright, more rich mahogany than mud brown. She couldn’t hide her surprise or her reaction in his arms.
Eric couldn’t do that. Ryan wouldn’t give himself the satisfaction of saying out loud what they both knew was true. The expert was a slim, city man. Not rugged and rough, with muscles honed from manual labor instead of trendy gyms. She couldn’t leave him for Eric and a new city.
“Ryan?” She croaked.
“Hmm?” He studied her face.
“I’m safe. Can you put me down?”
I can’t lose you. With a nod, he dropped his hold and stepped back.
She raised her key fob and unlocked her vehicle. Colby raced to the passenger side.
He followed the dog, opening the door. At least he could be useful while giving them both a chance to catch their breaths.
Her SUV door opened, and she hopped behind the wheel as he shut the passenger door and rounded the car to her side.
She lowered the window.
He rested his hand on the roof of the car, leaning forward. I could kiss her. Standing close, he noticed everything about her. The light hint of shampoo and laundry was the best perfume he’d ever inhaled. At the base of her throat, the delicate skin meeting her collarbone fluttered.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Universal: https://books2read.com/u/b5BEqk
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finders-keepers-cowboy-rachelle-paige-campbell/1144610780?ean=2940167578135
What makes your featured book a must-read?
If you love small towns and tight knit communities that feel like family, with an added dash of a matchmaking cowboy, you’ll love this book. Finders Keepers, Cowboy is a heart-felt, hope-filled romance bound to put a smile on your face.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card:
Open Internationally.
Runs April 23 – April 30, 2024.
Winner will be drawn on May 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
Rachelle Paige Campbell writes contemporary romance novels filled with heart and hope. With a master’s degree in Art History, she is always eager for a chance to sneak antiques into her books. She believes love and laughter can change lives, and every story needs a happily ever after.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://rachellepaigecampbell.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rpaigebooks
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-Paige-Campbell/e/B00T0T533Q