Title Rip Ryder’s Second Chance (Cowboys of Second Chances Security Book 6)
Author Rhonda Lee Carver
Genre Contemporary Western Romance
Book Blurb
Rip Ryder’s Second Chance is a novel of high school sweethearts who reunite to rekindle a rare passion and confront the past.
As teens, Noelle Evelyn and Rip Ryder fell deeply in love. Their passion seemed to defy the odds of disapproving parents, youth and unforeseen obstacles…until high school graduation rolled around. One drunken night changed the future.
Years later, Noelle returns to Second Chance after the death of a friend only to face the lingering ghosts of her past. The memory of Rip has haunted her every day since they broke up. Her life might have moved forward, she’s now a single mom of a toddler, but her heart stays frozen in a time when love was all that mattered.
Noelle has carried a secret to protect others that will unravel. Will the demons of the past draw them together, or rip them apart again? Will an endless love endure the pain? Rip was willing to do anything to protect the only love he’d ever known, but can he save her?
Rip Ryder's Second Chance is the last installment of the series. This book will have you cheering for Noelle and Rip as they face demons from their past, and a secret that has lingered too long.
Excerpt
One corner of his mouth lifted. “Better stop or I’ll think you’re a bit jealous.” He poured the drink.
“Jealous?” she scoffed. “Why in the world would I be jealous?”
“You tell me.” He planted his elbows on the counter and leaned in, holding her gaze.
She caught his soothing scent and ignored the fluttering in the pit of her stomach. “I can fully understand why she’s curious. If you would have liked I could have given her a play by play just how good it is.” Once the words were out, she wanted to suck them back in. What had come over her? She’d only had a couple of ounces of wine so she couldn’t blame drunkenness for her flirting. Maybe she had been jealous.
He used his thumbnail to scratch his temple, looking a bit flustered. “Thanks, but I don’t need any help. I’m flattered that you remember just how good it was between us though. I’m proud to say that I’ve learned a few things in the last fifteen years,” he said smoothly.
Her nipples beaded. Nearly three years without sex, her body ached to be held by strong arms. To be something else than “Mom” for a moment. This was dangerous territory. A sex deprived single mom and a hunky cowboy. “Maybe how to have sex in a bed and not a truck bed?” She twirled a strand of hair around her finger.
“I have to say, I sort of miss the truck bed days. Some of my fondest memories include Strawberry wine, the stars, and you.”
“What are we doing, Rip?” she whispered.
“Following fate’s lead?” He cocked a thick brow.
“I can’t do this.” She backed up a step. Needing to put some space between them before she did something very stupid, and very good.
“Can’t or won’t?” The husky tinge to his voice made her inner thighs tremble with yearning.
“A little of both.” Why lie? She scanned the room. “Still play ring toss, cowboy?”
“Can’t say that I do. It’s been years.”
“That’s probably best considering I always beat you back when we were kids.”
“I think you’re mistaken.”
“Am I? Too bad we can’t put that to the test,” she said saucily.
He reached under the counter and brought out a sign. Away for a moment. Come back.
“Now what were you saying?”
“You don’t have to stay and serve samples?” she asked.
“I’m not getting paid.” He jumped over the counter and his boots hit the floor. He adjusted his hat and his Ryder grin reappeared. “A man can’t run away from a challenge. I just think we should make this worthwhile. Up for a bit of a wager?” He rubbed his hands together as if he delighted in the prospect.
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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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