"WELCOME BACK TO BLUE RIVER RANCH . . .
Dallas
Six months ago, a fire on my ranch took my fiancée. And my whole world along with her.
Just when I thought I'd never feel anything again, a six-year-old landed on my porch-with a paternity test confirming what I knew the moment I saw her.
Now the people who brought her to me want her back-and I'll do anything to keep her. Even marry the fiery redhead who snuck into my half-built house and charmed my daughter faster than I could throw her out.
A fake marriage to keep my daughter safe? Deal, as long it's clear this arrangement has an expiration date.
Willow
Marrying Dallas Thorne could be the best and worst decision I've ever made.
The best because, like me, he's sworn off the four-letter word indefinitely.
The worst because he's rugged in every sense of the word and fiercely protective. So naturally, I'm drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
Only this flame is bound to burn me alive if I let myself fall."
"Three years ago, I lost any chance of a future with Noah Reeves. But I'm finally done trying to win him back. We're better off this way.
So, it's time to call a truce. If only so that we don't accidentally cause a scene at the upcoming wedding between his brother and my best friend.
The hitch? Noah thinks my imaginary date to the wedding is my ticket to losing my virginity. And . . . I might have let him believe it.
Now, he's determined to prove I'm not ready. By volunteering himself to demonstrate.
But as that long-gone spark returns with a vengeance, it's clear we've signed up to a dangerous game. I only hope that when the truth comes out, we won't be completely and unforgivably ruined."
"When Pepper Woods left Hideaway Springs nearly a decade ago, it was good riddance. The polished homecoming queen and class president was far too 'city girl' for my likes, anyway.
I barely even noticed when she got engaged to the President's son.
Now, she's back in town. And she's just walked into my father's inn, with a veil tucked under her arm.
I should walk away. I've got hockey practice in an hour and she's the last person I need distracting me. So why does she wind up pressed against me on the back of my motorcycle?
And how have I ended up as her fake fiancé?"
"JOB SEARCH: Hideaway Springs, CO
RESULTS: 1
'Single-dad rancher seeking live-in nanny for nine-year-old boy. Must have experience, be playful and not looking for a real-life love story (six weeks only - don't apply if looking for long-term).'
There cannot be only one job in Hideaway Springs. Not that I won't take literally anything at this point, but the likelihood of Levi Reeves hiring me is negative zero.
It doesn't stop me knocking on his door, though. Besides, his grumpy scowls are easy to tune out when my eyes are distracted by his sculpted physique and the rugged edges of his face.
I'm reluctantly hired on the understanding that it's a short-term agreement, he's desperate and firmly got his eye on me . . . And, eventually, his hands too.
But as the hot summer days turn to crisp autumn nights, my six weeks are up, and whilst he may have every intention of making me stay, my past is a reality I can never escape.
And I love them both too much to bring trouble to their home."
"NICOLE
Some men are just off-limits. Like Royce Collins, who's not only seventeen years older than me but has the sweetest little girl I'm in no shape to be around. She's defiant, calls out BS when she sees it, and hates any woman Coach brings around . . .
But she's not safe with me. Not when my past still haunts me and puts those around me at risk.
And it's not a risk worth taking.
ROYCE
Some women are just off-limits. Like Nicole Kane, whose twin brother captains the NHL team I coach. And whose dark past makes her a questionable choice to hire as my six-year-old's nanny.
But I don't feel that way. When I look at Nicky, I see light in her eyes, hope, a little fear, and beauty beyond the invisible scars she hides behind.
Some women are off-limits . . . and some are worth the risk."
"ANGEL
People said I'd never hit the ice again after my humiliating fall on national television. Two years later, I'm ready to prove them wrong. At least in private . . . when I sneak into the Buffalo Blades arena. Being the coach's daughter has its perks.
Until lead defenseman - and my number one enemy - Jace Knight catches me.
To my surprise, he doesn't laugh when I fall. Instead, he offers to help . . . in exchange for my help winning over the Ice Girl he's been pining after. He won't tell me who, but I think I know. And I hate that she's perfect for him.
JACE
There's no way I'm telling Angel Collins - Coach's daughter and the only Ice Girl immune to my charm - the real reason I'm back in the rink every night.
She'll never buy that I'm doing this out of the goodness of my heart, so pretending I need love advice works just fine for me. And that look on her face every time I'm around the Ice Girls - well, that's just the icing on the cake."
"CORA
Since my mother died, I've been raised by men - a hard-working single father and an overprotective older brother who would drop dead if he knew I was musing on the three-letter-word. And let's not forget his best friend and team Captain, Nicolas Kane, who, aside from his magnetic green eyes and cocky smile, is the worst offender when it comes to keeping me in a bubble.
And he happens to be the only one I want breaking it . . .
NICHOLAS
This girl is going to be the reason I go to jail. Especially if she keeps acting out the way she has been . . . coming home drunk, jumping out of planes, talking about sex?
I've been through it all with my best friend, including keeping his defiant kid sister in line. But it's becoming damn hard when suddenly my protective nature looks more like possessive when she's around.
Because Cora Knight is slowly but surely . . . becoming mine."
"WELCOME TO BLUE RIVER RANCH . . .
Wilder
My brother is out of commission, so I'm left running our ranch on my own all summer. Or at least I was until my best friend proposed hiring his wild-child sister from the East Coast.
It seems perfect . . . until her first day.
Because the Rose I once knew is all grown up. Petite, mouthy . . . with sinful emerald eyes that don't cower at my scowls. She knocks the breath right out of me. And not just because she keeps crashing into me at work.
But there's more to this spitfire than she's seen for. And I want it all.
Rose
This summer is a chance to slow down, breathe, reset . . . and let go of a past that follows me like a shadow.
Instead, I get a grumpy boss with buttons too easy to press.
He thinks I like getting into trouble. He's addicted to saving me. And the more he does, the easier it is to trust him-with every part of me.
But his own heart is locked up tight.
I only have a few weeks left. Will they be enough for him to ask me to stay?"
Join our community for the latest bookish news, reading recommendations, exclusive opening extracts, author events and competitions. It\'s all free. And enter a monthly draw to win a £50 Gift Card. See past winners here
