Showing posts with label Devon McKay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devon McKay. Show all posts

Monday, July 1, 2019

Christmas in July: A Christmas Cowboy To Keep

Is the heat getting to you? How about escaping to the mountains with a Christmas cowboy?

This collection of long novellas is the perfect summertime escape. Each story is filled with romance, family, and Christmas cheer.


Download it today for only 99 cents!! This collection is also available in Kindle Unlimited.


The weather is cold, the atmosphere is festive, and the cowboys are hot. How do you keep a cowboy at Christmas?

Don’t miss this holiday collection of modern-day cowboys and the women they love, featuring the same USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors from “A Cowboy to Keep.”

CHRISTMAS, LIBERTY, AND THE THREE MINUTE MAN by Carra Copelin
Nashville event planner, Liberty Ann Hart, tries not to fall for a local carpenter, but his charisma is difficult to ignore, especially at Christmas and in the rustic setting of a Texas town called Mistletoe. Daniel Dylan Layman is determined to show the headstrong city woman a country life. Will a Christmas fundraiser spark a lifetime of love?

A CHRISTMAS CAROLE by Andrea Downing
Carrie Matheson is happy to start a new life at the Wyoming ranch she has inherited, but her six-year-old son wants to return to New York. As Christmas approaches and his pleas to Santa receive replies, it’s alarm bells not sleigh bells that start ringing. Tate Schrugge is amused by his new neighbor when she jogs over with some mis-delivered mail, but after she calls him Scrooge, she’s definitely not on his Christmas list. If these two can get together, it might be the Dickens of a romance.

THE PEPPERMINT TREE by Kristy McCaffrey
When an unexpected inheritance draws lawyer Skye Mallory home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in her Colorado hometown. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart in high school. Joe Carrigan has returned to the community he left years ago, ready to face his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. But this time, he won’t be so chivalrous.

THE DEVIL’S CHRISTMAS KISS by Devon McKay
Some things never change. Kristen Kelly’s hometown is still Christmas crazy. Her sister, Laney, will always need to be rescued. And Cole Lawson will never stop pestering her. The handsome cowboy has picked right up where they left off, teasing her without mercy. And though her head tells her to run from Cole as fast as she can, her heart has a mind of its own.

SLAY BELLS by Hildie McQueen
Carmen and Jared can’t avoid the sparks that fly between them at first sight. But when a dead body surfaces at the Christmas festival, she becomes a witness and he becomes a suspect. Not exactly the recipe for a perfect match. Can they find love amidst the mayhem and sleigh bells?

THE BEST CHRISTMAS by Hebby Roman
Sofia Rossi and Gar McCulloch meet under challenging circumstances—her estranged son has been admitted to Gar’s ranch rehab-center. Sofia is a successful New York model who had an ill-advised liaison with a wealthy, married member of New York society and lost her son to her ex’s manipulation. Gar is divorced and lost his daughter to a drug overdose. When they bond together to reclaim Sofia’s son, the last thing they expect is to find redemption in each other’s arms, making this their best Christmas… ever.

COUNTING DOWN TO CHRISTMAS by Patti Sherry-Crews
Melody Evans, a professional wedding planner, views happily-ever-after endings with a skeptical eye, but she's never lost her childlike enthusiasm for her favorite holiday—Christmas. To veterinarian rancher Leland Jennings IV, Christmas is just for kids. If he could, he'd skip the whole month of December. But he does believe there’s one woman out there for him, and he's holding out for her. Melody revives Leland's Christmas spirit, and he rekindles her heart.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Reading Recommendations

All Reviews By Kristy McCaffrey


I've included Amazon links, but most of the books are also available at Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, as well as print and audio.



The Lost City of Z
By
David Grann

This book is part memoir, part modern-day adventure. Mr. Grann recounts the life of Percy Fawcett, who in the early 1900’s explored the dangerous Amazonian jungle along the Brazil-Bolivia border. Fawcett was in the rarefied company of other extraordinary explorers such as Richard Burton (who searched for the source of the Nile) and Ernest Shackleton (an early explorer of the Antarctic), all members of the Royal Geographical Society in London. Fawcett’s repeated expeditions into the jungle—along with his amazing ability to survive lethal indigenous tribes, starvation, piranhas, and the particularly ghoulish occurrence of maggots under one’s skin—left him convinced that a mythical city (the Spanish conquistadores called it El Dorado) existed somewhere in the area. His preoccupation would eventually lead to his disappearance in 1925. He was never heard from again. Did the lost city of Z exist? Read the book to find out! A gripping and well-written account of the intersection of compulsion and passion within the human spirit.


*****


Desert Heat
By
Patti Sherry-Crews

A satisfying short read about single mom Angel Harper trying to run a vacation ranch in Arizona and the cowboy/firefighter who turns her world upside down. Boone Donovan isn't looking for romance but sparks fly the moment he meets Angel. With many obstacles between them, not the least of which is Angel's reluctance to let a man into her and her son's life, this romantic tale will have you rooting for them. And don't miss the follow-up story, Phoenix Heat, about Boone and Angel's daughter Harper. I loved both!

Desert Heat

*****


Bad Boy, Big Heart
By
Andrea Downing

East coast city girl K.C. has come to Wyoming for the summer to work at a ranch. She's warned to stay away from bad boy Chay, but that soon proves difficult to do. Ms. Downing has written a romantic novella with a sexy hero and a smart heroine. Loved it! And don't miss the follow-up story, City Boy, Country Heart.


*****


Irish Moon
By
Amber Scott

Breanne O’Donnell is training in the druidic arts when her mentor Heremon is murdered. A mysterious knight named Ashlon Sinclair is left behind, ill and unable to recall what happened. Breanne nurses him back to health, but he is English and she is Irish, so she keeps his identity hidden. But Sinclair, a Templar Knight, is in pursuit of a chest that has been stolen from him and he ingratiates himself into Breanne’s clan to locate it. He’s also drawn to Breanne but his nomadic life leaves him conflicted about what he can offer her. She has seen with her second sight the fate that intertwines them and worries for his safety, believing that he must leave her to stay alive. This is an enchanting story filled with magic and Irish lore. Breanne is a strong heroine and Ashlon a compelling and romantic figure, and you won’t be able to stop reading this steamy love story until the satisfying conclusion.


*****


Nearly Departed In Deadwood
By
Ann Charles 


Single-mom Violet Parker has got problems. Unless she can sell a house, she’s about to lose her job as a realtor. Her prospects involve a house-sniffing, enigmatic man named Doc (although he’s not an MD) and a handsome Ken-doll client whose efforts to woo her may be too good to be true. Throw in a paranormal mystery involving several missing girls alongside Violet’s ensuing anxiety about the safety of her own two children, and you’ve got a nonstop thrill-ride of a tale, which I dare you not to read in one sitting. This is the first in an ongoing series told from Violet’s point-of-view (Book 8 is soon to be released). Ms. Charles has a flair for dialogue and humor, and you’ll fall in love with Violet and all the quirky side-characters that populate Charles’ version of modern-day Deadwood. But be prepared: this series will grab you and you’ll disappear until you’ve read each and every book.


*****


Slade
By
Julie Lence

As part of his incarceration, outlaw Slade Barlow has been placed on work detail at the Prescott farm. Thrown in the calaboose on tenuous charges, he needs to keep his head down and bide his time until he can flee the Widow Prescott and her two daughters, Jillianne and Camille. But he hadn’t counted on his growing feelings for Jill or the fact that someone is stalking their property. As he digs deeper, he comes to realize that he may be more deeply involved in the mystery of Jill’s deceased father and the time the man spent away from the farm than he’d like to be. And, at the end of the day, can he walk away from Jill? This is a solid western romance with great descriptions that will put you right in the time period. Slade is a tormented hero, Jillianne is a kindhearted heroine, and their romance will hold you in its grip until the end. Don’t miss another winner from Ms. Lence!

Slade (Jackson Creek Series Book 1)

*****


Lead Me Into Temptation
By

Devon McKay

In this historical western romance, Violet Webster is looking for her father and her only option is to become a mail-order bride. Garrett Sutherlin, her betrothed’s son, has been sent to escort her, a task that will free him from living under his father’s dictates. Ms. Devlin takes this standard trope and delivers a richly-drawn tale with a likable heroine and a compelling hero. Fans of this genre will love the story! I certainly did.


*****


The Peacemaker
By
Andrew McBride

Calvin “Choctaw” Taylor is a young Indian scout contracted to guide a peace ambassador into the stronghold of the famed Apache leader Cochise. Accompanying them is the man’s adopted Apache daughter Nahlin. Together they enter one of the most dangerous areas in the old west—the Dragoon Mountains. Their journey is one of bold intentions, treacherous encounters with both Indians and white men, and, ultimately, agonizing heartbreak. This is a well-told story of historical fact woven within fiction, of well-crafted and flawed characters, and a plot that will leave you guessing and eager to reach the conclusion. I highly recommend.


*****


Daring Greatly
By
Brene Brown

Ms. Brown considers vulnerability in all its many forms, whether it be in the workplace, in schools, or in your own home. Through years of research she’s compiled real-life data and offers practical and stark truths about how to deal with the shame inherent in our culture as a result of being vulnerable.

The simple truth is that “to feel is to be vulnerable.” Brown addresses fallacies of vulnerability: It’s not a weakness and it’s not letting it all hang out. It does require trust and boundaries. She stresses the importance of developing shame-resilience: recognizing shame and understanding its triggers, practicing critical awareness, reaching out, and speaking about it with a trusted someone.

The last part of the book deals with parenting and how we can all do better by simply engaging with our children, developing our own ability to be vulnerable and mirroring that to them, and forgiving ourselves when we’re not perfect. Perfection is a form of shielding and freeing ourselves of our “armor” is an important first step. “I am enough, I’ve had enough, and showing up, taking risks, and letting myself be seen is enough.”

This book is amazing and authentic, and Ms. Brown hasn’t taken the easy road—she digs deep into the subject matter, offering insights that are painful yet ultimately healing.


*****


Texas Mail Order Bride
By
Linda Broday

Cooper Thorne lives in Battle Creek alongside his adopted brothers, Rand and Brett. They were all raised in an orphanage and now steadfastly guard their independence and freedom, which means no matrimony. They’ve even formed a ‘Bachelor’s Club’. When determined Delta Dandridge arrives in town fully expecting to become Cooper’s mail-order bride, his answer is a swift no. He never sent for her, so refuses to honor a promise he never made. However, Delta decides to remain in Battle Creek and forge a new life for herself, and Cooper can’t seem to avoid the woman. And soon enough, he doesn’t want to. Ms. Broday’s novel is an entertaining western romance with great banter between the leads, wonderful side characters, and a steamy love story. The perfect tale to curl up with before bedtime.


*****


Remanence
By
Jennifer Foehner Wells

In this follow-up to Book 1: Fluency, we find Dr. Jane Holloway and Dr. Alan Bergen on the alien spaceship discovered near earth. They are now headed to the home world of the creatures who mysteriously perished on board. Guiding them is the only survivor, a massively intelligent squid-like creature who controls the ship and is telepathically linked to Jane. Because of this connection, Jane is now the commander. The tale unfolds as they make first contact with a species known as the Sectilius. I really enjoyed this story, especially the relationships between Jane and the entity and the prickly romance between her and Bergen. Thankfully, it comes to a satisfying ending and I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3!


*****


The Devil’s Teeth
By
Susan Casey

The Farallon Islands—a rocky and barren chain of jutting, granite peaks—sit just 27 miles from the San Francisco coastline. A handful of biologists reside in this remote outpost to study the bird, pinniped, and shark populations. Every fall, great white sharks arrive to feed on the local seal population and Ms. Casey delves into the research undertaken in the surrounding waters. It’s a story of grit and terror, and a testament to how little we know about these fascinating and monstrous creatures. Casey also recounts the history of the island—at one point, the eggs sold in the Bay area markets were collected from the massive seabird population, nearly depleting their numbers. The main attraction, of course, is the sharks, with personalities as varied as the people who investigate them. By the end of the book, despite a lingering fear of the giant fish, I couldn’t help but gain a healthy respect for the apex predators of the ocean. This is a riveting and enlightening read.


*****


Love Proof
By
Robin Brande

In Love Proof, lawyer Sarah Henley must work opposite her former lover from college, Joe Burke. He broke her heart six years prior and never had the decency to tell her why. This premise may sound too simple, but in the hands of the talented Ms. Brande, a solid, compelling love story unfolds. I definitely lost sleep reading this on vacation.

The romance is hot, the legal proceedings are entwined just enough to give context but not overwhelm the story, and the characters are likable and credible. But not perfect. When the romance is re-ignited, Sarah and Joe face an ethical issue as they work on opposing sides of the same case. How that unfolds, as well as Sarah’s own reservations about Joe, create the obstacles they must overcome. It’s a reminder that despite mistakes made along the way, everyone has the power to become a better version of themselves.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great read. You won’t be disappointed.


*****


Deer Hunting in Paris:
A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat
By
Paula Young Lee

In the title of this memoir, author Paula Young Lee refers to both Paris, France, and Paris, Maine. How she connects the two disparate places speaks to the overall theme—you never know where you’ll end up, but chances are, it will be a place that softens the quirky edges and incongruent personality traits that never quite fit together.

Lee is a Korean woman raised in the United States by a father who preached Christianity in rural America—mostly in the backwoods of Maine. Paralyzed from the waist down, his belief in God never wavers, but Lee constantly questions and strives to stretch beyond the dictates of Korean culture.

For a time, she lives in Paris, France. When severe food and other allergies besiege her, she develops a love of meat. Hers isn’t just a cursory fascination; she’s taken it to the next level, trying to understand where cuts of meat originate in an animal and sharing recipes that are hundreds of years old.

A wanderer, she doesn’t desire to be tied down. Then she meets John, a divorced lawyer from Paris, Maine. The bulk of Lee’s story unfolds as she and John spend time with his folks, siblings, and extended family. And they are hunters. Lee expounds on tracking bear and moose. She explains in great detail how to dress a deer in the wild upon its execution. She describes the process of a pig roast with such detail that you’ll smell the succulent meat and your mouth will water.

Deer Hunting in Paris is a love story. John and Lee couldn’t be more different, but on a deeper level their relationship works. Her appreciation for the animals and the process of hunting wins over John’s family, and while many will cringe over the gory descriptions of how an animal is gutted and quartered, there is a sense of the order of nature here. Living close to the land—a skill many of us have lost—isn’t for the faint of heart. Lee has qualms as well, but in the name of love she pushes through. Her forthright and honest prose had me laughing aloud in parts, and her esteem for the natural world and the man she loves make for a unique and compelling read.

Deer Hunting in Paris: A Memoir of God, Guns, and Game Meat (Travelers' Tales Guides)

*****


The Dark Net
By
Benjamin Percy


In this paranormal technological thriller, we meet a diverse crew of characters: Lela, a laser-focused journalist with no life; Mike Juniper, hiding a past as an evangelical minister and owner of a homeless shelter; Sarin, a woman who may be far older than many realize; Cheston, a computer hacker and voyeur; and Hannah, a young blind girl who will play a pivotal role in the storyline. Evil has come to Portland, Oregon, and the pathway is the Dark Net. I don’t want to say too much more because the story unfolds with many interesting twists, and I was quite glued to my e-reader until the end. Mr. Percy offers insights into our digital age that will astound and horrify you, while giving us an edge-of-the-seat terror ride. I highly recommend the novel and I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually turns up in the movie theater.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Guest Post: Ranching In A Man's World by Devon McKay

Today I'd like to welcome author Devon McKay to my blog!!

Ranching In A Man’s World
Ride. Rope. Repair fence. This is what a rancher does. Every day. Come rain, sleet, snow, or shine. Such devotion takes a love of the land. And a determined nature. 
In a world, mostly dominated by men, women are fighting to make their mark. And succeeding. Nowadays, it’s more common to see a female rancher, but it’s been a long haul full of challenges and obstacles for those paving the way. Not only have they had to prove their worth to a doubting cowboy, even finding sturdy work gloves in a smaller size has proven to be a difficult task.
 Perfumed with the scent of leather and spurred on by sheer will, women all over this country are doing what they love…ranching. In The Drifter’s Kiss, Addison Reed knows this all too well. The Drifter’s Kiss is one of seven stories in A COWBOY TO KEEP. 


Available at AMAZON
Only 99 cents


The Drifter’s Kiss Blurb
Addison Reed doesn’t want to believe her foreman and family friend is responsible for her missing stock, but the man isn’t making it easy. Hoping to prove he’s innocent, she follows him into a seedy bar and finds herself in a bigger mess…kissing a complete stranger.
            Drifter Sawyer Dawson never settled anywhere for long. In fact, landing a job on a ranch as the new foreman just fell into his lap, and he figured Montana was as good a place as any to settle down for a while. Of course, sticking around might have a little something to do with a sexy blonde with an affinity for kissing cowboys. 


The Drifter’s Kiss Excerpt
Frustrated, Addison Reed tapped the counter with her fingers and targeted her stare on Jacobs. Not being able to trust the man was killing her. She needed something concrete to prove her neighbor, William Ramsey, was the one responsible for stealing her cattle.

Not her dearest friend.

Suddenly, the older cowboy rose, said something to Ramsey, and brushed past the waitress, heading toward the exit. He was leaving? Her heart seized in her chest, then began an erratic beat, thundering loudly in her ears. Now she faced another problem. She stood between Jacobs and the door. Unless she could get out first, he'd pass right by her. Perhaps he wouldn't notice? Or maybe she could blend into the crowd?

She wavered between standing her ground and fleeing. Jacobs may be a thief and a liar, but he wasn't stupid. If she stayed put, and he did see her, then her cover would be blown for sure and she'd never get the proof she needed. He certainly wouldn't believe she chose the bar, which happened to be an hour's drive out of her way, simply on a whim.

No. She couldn't chance it. Wouldn't chance it.

Addison raced to the door, but as she neared the exit the crowd thickened and slowed her escape. She glanced over her shoulder to see Jacobs closing in. Quickening the pace, the heel of her boot slid across the sawdust covering the floor and she lost her footing.

A firm grip grasped her shoulders stopping her fall.

"You again?" A husky voice rose above the blaring sound of the country fiddle rocking the room.

She raised her head and locked onto a familiar green gaze. Great. Of all the people in this place, she had to run into this handsome man. Twice? Frantic, she spared another glance behind to see Jacobs was almost within reach. Seeking camouflage and not knowing what else to do, she faced the stranger.

"If our first meeting made your night, then you're going to love this," she mumbled, then stood on her tip toes and planted a kiss on the cowboy's lips.


Devon McKay Bio

Devon McKay writes contemporary romance with a western flair. If she's not typing at her keyboard, Devon's busy with chores on her small ranch, working on a stained glass project, or walking one of her three dogs through the woods. Her greatest joy is putting a smile on a reader's face and hearing from fans. 
           





Find Devon McKay


Thursday, June 1, 2017

New Release!! Blue Sage by Kristy McCaffrey

By Kristy McCaffrey

A Cowboy To Keep is out!!

I'm pleased to be included in this fabulous collection of contemporary western romances, which includes my brand new long novella BLUE SAGE.



Available at Amazon for only 99 cents or free in Kindle Unlimited

Catch a cowboy … Keep a cowboy …

THE LEGEND OF BAD MOON RISING by Carra Copelin
Dinah Horne is in danger of losing herself. Leaving her friends and family for Dallas, Texas, she’s determined to make her mark. Unfortunately, the big city has other ideas. When her money runs out, she returns to her hometown and the man she can’t forget.

Ben Hammond is sheriff of the small community of McTiernan, Texas. Once he’s over the woman who stole his heart and shattered it, he decides to buy the Hard Luck Ranch and settle down. Problem is, odd things are happening that may be tied to the previous owners. As he begins his investigation into the past, he is faced with an even bigger problem—the reappearance of Dinah Horne.

CITY BOY, COUNTRY HEART by Andrea Downing
Rodeo star and rancher Chay Ridgway has left Wyoming to follow his girlfriend, K.C. Daniels, to New York. Leaving behind all he knows for a small bite of the Big Apple, Chay discovers the canyons of city streets may be too claustrophobic for this cowboy, especially when the trauma is compounded by the fact K.C.’s parents dislike him, their housemate is a harridan, friends are few, and the only job he can get is rounding up dinner plates.

As K.C. continues her two years of study for her Master’s degree, can she also keep a rein on Chay’s heart? Will this cowboy become a city boy, or will the wide-open spaces of Wyoming call his country heart home?

BLUE SAGE by Kristy McCaffrey
Braden Delaney has taken over the family cattle business after the death of his father, but faced with difficult financial decisions he contemplates selling a portion of the massive Delaney ranch holdings known as Whisper Rock, a place of unusual occurrences. The sudden appearance of a pretty relic-hunter while he’s collecting his livestock, however, is about to change his mind.

Archaeologist Audrey Driggs arrives in the remote wilderness of Northern Arizona searching for clues to a life-altering experience from her childhood. When she rolls off a mountain and lands at the feet of rugged cowboy Braden Delaney, it’s clear she needs his knowledge of the area to complete her quest. But if she tells him the truth, will he think she’s crazy?

Together, they’ll uncover a long-lost secret.

THE DRIFTER’S KISS by Devon McKay
Addison Reed doesn’t want to believe her foreman and family friend is responsible for her missing stock, but the man isn’t making it easy. Hoping to prove he’s innocent, she follows him into a seedy bar and finds herself in a bigger mess…kissing a complete stranger.

Drifter Sawyer Dawson never settled anywhere for long. In fact, landing a job on a ranch as the new foreman fell into his lap, and he figured Montana was as good a place as any to settle down for a while. Of course, sticking around might have something to do with a sexy blonde with an affinity for kissing cowboys.

HER MAN by Hildie McQueen
When someone is murdered, it's definitely not a normal week in the usually quiet town of Lovely, Montana.

With the sheriff gone, deputy Mark Hunter had planned for another slow week at work, but when the first murder in twenty years happens, his past as a city detective comes to life. It’s no time to fall in love.

The last twenty-four hours have been hell. Between a fight with her ex that left her with a bruised face and now finding a dead man, Eliza Brock can barely keep it together. But despite the mess, she still manages to feel an undeniable attraction to the handsome deputy, and damn if she can’t resist him when he knocks on her door.

BORDER ROMANCE by Hebby Roman
Leticia Villarreal is lonely. Widowed for eight years, she keeps busy with her ranch and charity work, but they don’t fill the empty place in her heart. When she considers establishing a Quarter horse racing stable, her new endeavor reunites her with an old acquaintance and exposes her horses to danger.        

John Clay Laidlaw, a handsome, self-assured, millionaire rancher, has been attracted to Leticia since high school. When he was young and first divorced, he tried to get Leticia to date him, but she didn’t like his arrogant and high-handed ways. Separated from his second wife, John Clay offers to help Leticia with her new racing horse. Remembering how he acted when they were young, she doesn’t trust him. But when someone tries to harm her horses and John Clay rushes to her rescue, can she open her heart to him?

PHOENIX HEAT by Patti Sherry-Crews
Harper Donovan thought she had it all when she turned her dream into a reality—opening a restaurant in New York City. But when the venture fails and her fiancé leaves her, Harper has little choice but to return to her family in Arizona.

When she meets handsome firefighter and cowboy Frank Flynn, she decides it’s time to get in the dating game again. Except Flynn shows no interest and dodges her, but not before claiming they’ve met before. Solving the mystery of the complicated Flynn gets under Harper’s skin, making her even more determined to seduce him.

When the two finally come together, the smoldering passion ignites into a heat that rivals the Phoenix desert. Now that Flynn has opened his heart, can Harper handle this wounded cowboy who’s playing for keeps?


READ AN EXCERPT FROM Blue Sage

Northern Arizona
September

The damned calf was stuck in the brambles again.

Braden Delaney swung down from his horse, his spurs jangling, and approached the mewling youngster. The calf thrashed in a mess of bushes beneath a stately juniper tree with shredded, red-colored bark. It reminded Braden of pulled-pork barbecue. It was on the menu tonight if Lewis, wrangler and cook during roundups, had been telling the truth this morning before the five of them had headed out.

It was late in the day and Braden’s stomach rumbled in response.

He’d take care of this problem and then head back to base camp—two airstream trailers and a horse trailer with a built-in bunk for Braden.

Braden knocked the brim of his Stetson up a notch and went to work prying the animal from the tangled jumble of branches. His gloved hands made fast work of the situation, and before long he’d set the calf on all fours. The animal took off at a lope, headed toward a band of larger cows, one of whom was likely his mama.

“You’re welcome,” Braden uttered under his breath.

It was the third rescue he’d performed on the calf in the past two days. The contrary little beast had a knack for wandering and getting into untenable predicaments. He should just usher it to the makeshift corral a few miles to the southeast, but Braden wasn’t quite ready to bring in this cluster of cattle, and he didn’t want to separate the calf from its mother.

Billy Lasco, his range foreman, would be up in a few days with two large semi-trucks to collect the cattle they’d gathered and transport them to the Delaney Ranch fifty miles to the south. Braden would guide the wayward calf and his mama into camp then. His current plan was to simply flush the cows and steers hiding out in the rocky hillside into the open plain below.

As he returned to his horse, a scream and a crash spun him around.

Had a steer just rolled down the slope? Braden circled, searching for an injured critter.

But it was no animal.

A woman lay on her back, grimacing.

Braden moved quickly to her side. “Are you all right, miss?”

She pushed to sit, leaves and sticks in her brown hair, askew in a haphazard ponytail. She wore trail pants, hiking boots and an ivory t-shirt. His eyes jerked back to the shirt, not sure he’d read correctly the word printed on it. Yep, he had. BOOBIES covered the spot where those very things resided, round and nicely shaped. Then he saw the image above the word—two birds with blue feet. Blue-footed boobies. Despite the dire situation, a smile tugged at his mouth.

Copyright © 2017 K. McCaffrey LLC