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
Her mouth thinned and he knew he had hit a soft spot. “I don’t need you to tell me what’s good for my son.”
Why was she so prickly? “I’m not telling you what’s good for your son. I’m only saying what I’m sure you’ve thought about since you read the letter. Tuck wanted you to have the place. He was the kid’s grandfather. This is a legacy we’re talking about, not something that can be easily discarded. If you could talk to the future Ollie, what would he want you to do?”
She opened her mouth then slammed it shut. “I never planned on going back to Second Chance.”
“I guess you need to weigh the pros and cons then.”
“It’s no longer my home.” She averted her eyes.
“Apparently the house where you’re living now won’t be home for too much longer either.” He picked up his cup and gulped the semi-warm brew. “Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why is Second Chance no longer your home? What happened?” He’d always wondered why she’d changed so suddenly. One minute they were talking about their future and the next she was breaking up with him.
“I didn’t come here to talk about this.” She took a step toward the door and laid her hand on the knob.
“That’s it. Run. You’re good at that.” He blew out a long, frustrated breath. His patience had thinned.
“Excuse me?” She glanced at him over her shoulder.
“I didn’t stutter, did I?” He didn’t have the tolerance for this. He started for the bathroom, wanting to hit the road within the hour.
“You have no clue what you’re talking about.” She was behind him now.
He swiveled and faced her, seeing the storm brewing in her eyes. “Really? Then I imagined that you broke things off fifteen years ago without explanation?”
They stood like two warriors, nose to nose. “Let’s not rehash the past.”
“Of course not, because you don’t want to face the facts.” He turned his back to her and stepped into the cramped bathroom.
“I’ve moved on from the past and so should you.”
He reached for his toothbrush, squeezed out some toothpaste, and then looked at her. “If you’ve moved on then why can’t you go back?”
She stared at him. “That’s my choice,” she said in an elevated tone above the sound of him brushing his teeth.
He spit into the sink. “No one said it isn’t your choice but I’m making a point. We’re talking about Tuck’s legacy that he wanted you to have. He is your father.” He reached for the towel and wiped his mouth then stepped back into the outer room.
“Which must not have meant much or he would have mentioned it to me before his death.”
“Have you asked your mom why she didn’t tell you?”
“We spoke. She established that Tuck was my father.”
He rummaged inside his bag. “And Tuck wanted to keep you a secret?” When she didn’t answer, he stopped what he was doing and looked at her. “Well?”
“Mom didn’t want anyone to know. She felt she would be judged harshly because everyone was so fond of Cybal.”
He shook his head. “Figures your mom would only see the selfish gain in this.” He went back to grabbing his clothes.
“That’s unfair. You don’t like my mother so you’d look at her opinion negatively.”
He turned and faced Noelle. “We’re talking about the same woman who told me I wasn’t good enough for you. No, there’s no love lost there.” He chuckled. “Is that why you broke things off? Patricia made a good enough case against me?”
“No, Rip. That’s not the reason.”
He shrugged. “No reason to worry about spilled milk.”
“Then why are we discussing our history?”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
Join the party!
Cauldrons of Cowboys
Halloween Book Release Party!
When: October 31st
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.
Social Media Links
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rhondaleecarver.author/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RLCarver
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rhondaleecarver/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/rhondaleecarverauthor/
Street Team: www.facebook.com/groups/471259293018665/
Newsletter: https://www.rhondaleecarver.com/