Title Loving Justice (Cowboys of Sagebrush Rose Book 4)
Author Rhonda Lee Carver
Genre Contemporary Western Romance
Book Blurb
The tangled web of sisters, love and the greed for land continues at Sagebrush Rose Ranch. The land holds secrets and desires, and soon everything will be unearthed.
Sam Rose, the patriarch, may wield his authority like a branding iron, but Justice Rose won’t be branded. She’s the wildflower that refuses to be tamed, even if it means risking her inheritance—her home. Yet, someone from her past is out to stir up trouble for his own greedy needs and she might be forced into following her daddy's ridiculous rules.
An arranged marriage with a forbidden lover might be her only choice.
Jinx Weathersby was shaped by hardship, his hands calloused from years of labor and putting everyone before himself, especially his little sister who he's been raising since their parents died tragically. His focus...work hard and earn a living, but when he's hired to trail Justice, there's just something about her that softens him. And opens a door to having a family again.
Jinx, with his rugged charm, becomes more than a hired hand. He becomes a part of Justice’s life that she can’t turn away from. It's possible they can strike up a deal that'll benefit both and awaken silent hearts. But one mistake might ruin any chance he had to win her heart. One BIG mistake--or make that two.
A story of betrayal, lust, forbidden romance, and a family that will do anything and everything to save Sagebrush Rose Ranch.
Excerpt
At first, Jinx had thought he was dreaming because in what reality would Justice be giving him a bath?
But sure enough. Here she was, getting the washcloth all nice and sudsy.
She leaned over him and he caught her fragrance—a sweet cotton candy scent with a hint of orange. The pain medicine Doc had given him was mighty potent and he was a bit groggy, but that didn’t stop parts of him from responding. He was grateful the sheet covered that part of him. If this wasn’t humiliating enough that he needed Justice to wash him like he was a baby, if she were witness to how attractive he found her he’d never live it down.
As she washed his face—as gently as if she were polishing thin glass—pieces of her hair had come loose from the bun and had landed on his chest. Her firm breasts rubbed his shoulder, pressing against his solid muscle. He had to admit, the heat from the washcloth felt pleasant, but the closeness of her body was pure pleasure. He’d even forgotten about the pain in his leg.
She pulled back to rinse the cloth and he watched the water flow over her fingers and knuckles. She had nice hands. An image of her hands exploring his body took over every cell in his mind.
How could he even be thinking of sex at a time like this?
Easily. Justice was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes upon and her scent drove him wild. She caught him staring and he didn’t bother turning away or pretending he hadn’t been ogling her. His brain waves were relaxed as the medicine took effect.
"What happened out there?" she asked.
"Misdemeanor caught me. Luckily, I twisted just in time before he got my stomach."
She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth as she gently wiped his chest with the washcloth. Her touch was soft and caring. “You’re a very lucky man,” she said.
“I’m not sure luck had anything to do with it. If I were lucky, the bull wouldn’t have escaped through the gate in the first place.” He stared at her profile, examining her cute nose and the plumpness of her lips.
She tilted her chin, bringing her gaze to his. “Yes? Is there something wrong?” She seemed to take extra care with his stomach.
“Sorry that I’m staring, ma’am.”
“I’ve noticed that you do that often,” she said softly.
He shrugged his shoulder against the bed. What lucidity was left of his mind warned him to keep his thoughts to himself, but he’d never been a good listener. “I’m sure I’m not the first or the last.”
She moved the damp cotton over his stomach and to the edge of the sheet. A ragged breath caught his chest. She winced. “Did I hurt you?”
“It depends on how you define hurt,” he chuckled. Her cheeks flushed red as she avoided his gaze while rinsing the washcloth. “I’m glad I didn’t argue about you washing me too hard.”
“You’re quite the flirt. You have a lot of energy and spunk for a man who just about lost his life,” she said tartly.
"Give me a break. Almost dying shows you it's time to stop being shy."
She breathed deeply. "I never thought you were the shy type."
“It’s what you do to me. You make my palms sweat.”
The corners of her mouth lifted. “How are you feeling? Pretty good?” She started cleaning his non-injured leg.
“I feel pretty damn amazing.” He followed her hand as she moved the washcloth down his leg. He whistled through his teeth. “You’re good at this. You missed your calling.”
“My calling?” She laughed. “Bathing people is my calling?”
“Nursing people. It was worth getting gored to have this compensation.”
“As flattered as I am, I’m sure you’d rather have not come face-to-face with Misdemeanor.”
He blinked. “Has anyone ever told you that you look like a goddess?” He should have shut up, but he couldn’t control his tongue.
“No, they haven’t.” She kept her gaze on his leg.
“They should have and often.”
She’d moved her attention to his injured leg. Her cheeks were flushed. Her bottom lip quivered. He’d never been more turned on.
“When I was a kid my mom would kiss my boo-boos,” he muttered.
She brought her gaze up, humor turning her eyes to diamonds. “Yeah? Are you asking for me to kiss your leg?”
“Nah.” He chuckled, feeling very good. “I want you to kiss my lips.”
She dropped the stained rag into the water. “And why should I do that?”
“What if I don’t make it? I’d be a happy dying man knowing I got a kiss from the woman I have a hankering for.”
She stared back at him, but now there were two of her, and he couldn’t focus on either.
He saw her move, guessing getting as far away from his high ass as possible, but instead, she leaned over him, their gazes locking. “You need some rest,” she said in a whisper. Then she kissed him, not a lingering, romantic kiss but a quick tormenting peck. “Sleep tight.”
Then she was gone, and he fell into the awaiting arms of sleep.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/loving-justice-cowboys-of-sagebrush-rose-book-4-by-rhonda-lee-carver
Jingle for Justice Release Party
When: December 10th
Time: 10am EST
Where: Rhonda Lee Carver’s Rowdy Readers
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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