Title: The Texan’s Favor
Author: D. K. Deters
Genre: Western Romance
Book Blurb:
Ambushed, Texas Ranger Jake Fontaine's a dead man until a Kansas spinster raises her shotgun in his defense. Despite the rogue lawman's obsession to bring in his brother's killer, duty demands he escort her to the next town.
Kat Collins is a thief, though an honorable one. She's on the run from controlling kin and aims to escape her past. Traveling with Jake offers the perfect cover—until her uncle finds them sharing a campfire and imposes his own kind of justice—a wedding.
Marriage will cost Jake his freedom, but refusing may cost him his life. Kat figures he's bound to recognize her on a wanted poster. Would sharing passionate nights in his arms be worth the peril?
Excerpt:
Perhaps all this distrust was a ruse. Law trouble? Had her likeness been on a wanted poster? Her hair had dried, and wispy curls escaped the braid draped over her shoulder. He would’ve recalled her golden locks and the distinct set of her jaw. Yeah, he’d remember her.
“What about you?” He ran his fingers over the worn hatband on his Stetson.
She struck a match to the kindling she’d already made for a campfire. “What about me?”
She sounded angry, but he persisted. “Which way are you going?” He recognized the yellow label on a package of Arbuckles’ coffee and licked his lips. Even if she didn’t share, he’d wait for her answer.
“Not that it’s any of your affair, Ranger, but I’m goin’ to St. Louis. I didn’t plan for any delays. You were in trouble, and I tried to help.” She lifted her chin. “Although you bein’ a Texas Ranger and all, I’d think you would’ve had the upper hand.”
He stuffed his hat back on. Contrary to his usual confidence around women, she baffled him. “Lady, you’re riding a horse to St. Louis, alone?” Stubborn woman, someone should be responsible for her welfare. Was Emmett involved with her decision?
She slammed the coffeepot to the smoking fire and a moment later stomped across the ground separating them. At over five-and-a-half feet tall and her boot heels adding an extra inch, she dug her forefinger into his chest. “Ranger, you question where I’m going? Don’t forget you’re in Kansas. Don’t Texas Rangers ride in—Texas?” She stretched the word Texas and placed her hands on her hips. “Did you lose your way?”
Her words strained his good intentions. He leaned forward, wrapped his hands around her thin wrists, and murmured, “Honey, it’ll be a cold day in hell before I ever lose my way to Texas.”
Her pulse quickened, and her skin reddened. Had her emotions stemmed from fear, anger, or something else? Her lashes fluttered, and she stood her ground. What would she do if he tugged her closer? He inhaled a gulp of air. Camping on Duvall’s trail for three months had dulled his manners. His attraction would only cause trouble. If he hankered for a willing woman, he’d find one in a saloon. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to kiss you. It’s my duty to protect you.”
She released a frazzled huff and kicked him in the shin.
“Hell.” He dropped her wrist.
“Pardon me, Ranger.” Anger flickered in her eyes. “I don’t recall asking you to kiss me or protect me. I’m moving on.”
“No, we stay together until I get you someplace safe.” He rubbed his shin and limped to the fire. “You’re making me lose a day I don’t have to spare, but we’re not splitting up.”
“The fact is, Ranger, I don’t require your help.”
“If you have a better idea, I’m willing to listen,” he said in his best don’t-even-think-about-challenging-me Texas Ranger voice.
“I find it difficult to believe you’d be willing to listen to anyone.”
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What makes your featured book a must-read?
Western romance readers will love the Wild West action, gunslingers, cattle rustlers, and rowdy cowboys. Rugged Texas Ranger Jake Fontaine and strong-willed Kat Collins are entertaining characters. He’s devoted to finding a killer, and she’s on the run from her controlling uncle. Although forced into a shotgun marriage, they form an impossible attraction. The twists and turns in this fast-paced plot will take you to the Kansas plains, the vast Missouri River, and the Texas frontier. Along the way, you’ll laugh and maybe even shed some tears.
Giveaway –
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Author Biography:
D. K. Deters is an international best-selling and award-winning historical romance author. She was a communications consultant before turning to a writing career. Like many historical romance authors, she's always had a deep interest in history, and the nineteenth century is her favorite. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her adult children and their families.
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