Series: McKettrick Cowboys (Book 7)
The only wide-open space Rance McKettrick wants to see in his future is
his hometown in his rearview mirror. The down-to-earth ex-rancher is
determined to make a fresh start with his two young daughters--and leave
his heartbreaking loss and family's successful corporation far behind.
He sure doesn't need Indian Rock's free-spirited new bookstore owner
Echo Wells confusing his choices--and raising memories he'd rather
forget. But her straightforward honesty and reluctance to trust is
challenging everything Rance thought he knew about himself. And when
their irresistible attraction puts their hearts on the line, Rance and
Echo must come to grips with who they really are to find a
once-in-a-lifetime happiness.
Very good book. The book blurb isn't quite right though. Rance isn't trying to leave his hometown behind. He has been working a lot, trying to outrun his grief and not succeeding. All he's done is spend too much time away from his girls. So he decides to give up the corporate world and go back to ranching and be there for them. Echo has arrived in Indian Rock to open a bookstore. Though Rance's intense focus on business reminds her of her ex-fiance, she is still very attracted to him, as he is to her. She doesn't trust that any feelings will last. Meanwhile, Rance is blowing hot and cold, as his intense feelings for her have him running scared. I love how good Echo is with his daughters, and her attachment to the dog is wonderful. I loved Rance's McKettrick protectiveness and the way it came out around Echo, and her ability to get him to think about things other than business.
Series: McKettrick Cowboys (Book 1)
One ranch. Three sons. Only one will inherit...and on one condition.
Tired of waiting for his sons to settle down, Arizona-territory rancher
Angus McKettrick announces a competition: the first son to marry and
produce a grandchild will inherit Triple M ranch. Now, three distinctly
different, equally determined cowboys are searching high and low for
brides.
If Emmeline Harding knows one thing, it's that she can't hold her
liquor. And though she's not sure how she came to wake up next to a
stack of gold coins in a brothel, she fears the worst. Fleeing town as a
mail-order bride, she wonders: how will she ever confess her past to
her handsome new husband?
Freedom-loving Rafe McKettrick is a man of strong beliefs and stronger
passions and he'll do anything to win the Triple M -- even marry a
stranger. To his surprise, Emmeline's charms beguile him even as the
secrets he senses she's hiding ignite jealousy and suspicion. But when a
visitor from the past enters the high country, the newlyweds have no
choice but to give up on a marriage in name only and seek a union that
satisfies them body and soul.
Excellent book. This is the first in the McKettrick family books. I love this family and all their passions and drama. Rafe had no intention of settling down anytime soon, until his father laid down his ultimatum. So he sent off for a mail order bride. Emmeline had fled Kansas City, certain her reputation was in tatters. When she arrived in Indian Rock, expecting to be met by her new husband, she found him brawling in a saloon. One of her brothers-in-law took her out to the ranch, and Rafe showed up shortly after. He could tell she had secrets, but didn't press her to tell them. He also discovered that she wasn't one to be ordered around. As they spent time together, they first discovered passion, and then stronger feelings began to develop. When the previously unknown half-brother appeared, tensions increased. And when Emmeline finally told Rafe her secret, the explosion tore them apart. It took nearly losing her for Rafe to realize his love. Great series, and I loved all the side stories and undercurrents.
Series: McKettrick Cowboys (Book 7) 
