The Rancher She Loved. Ann Roth

>

      

      A Chance To Prove Himself

      Learning that she was adopted is the biggest shock of magazine writer Sarah Tigarden’s life. Falling in love with champion bull rider Clay Hollyer is a close second. Years ago, she shared a sizzling kiss with the handsome rodeo star, only to hear that he was a player who enjoyed toying with women. After her profile of Clay called him on his caddish behavior, she never wanted to see him again.

      But as Sarah searches for her birth mother, Clay is unexpectedly by her side. Can this really be the same guy she condemned as a womanizer? As she gets closer to learning the stunning truth about her biological mom, Sarah also finds herself getting closer to Clay. Her head tells her it’s a mistake…but her heart isn’t so sure.

      “That kiss meant something.”

      His eyelids dropped a fraction over his very warm gaze, seductive and intent. Making her feel restless and needy. She half wished he’d kiss her again.

      She posed the question that had plagued her ever since. “Why did you kiss me back then, Clay?”

      “Because that mouth… I thought… We both—” He broke off and blew out a loud breath. “To hell with the past, Sarah.”

      With a dangerous glint in his eyes, he started toward her. Unable to move, she swallowed. “What are you doing?”

      “What I’ve wanted to do since you knocked on my door this morning.” He cupped her face between his big rough hands and brushed her bangs back with his fingers.

      “Please, Clay,” she whispered, not sure whether she wanted him to let go of her or step closer.

      The corner of his mouth rose. Angling his head, he leaned toward her....

      Dear Reader,

      This is the fourth book of my miniseries set in Saddlers Prairie, a fictitious ranching town in Montana prairie country.

      Have you ever wondered what happens to a rodeo star when his career ends? I have, and I decided to explore the issue. Clay Hollyer is a former bull-riding champion whose career ended after a nasty run-in with a bull. He now has a new life in Saddlers Prairie.

      Sarah Tigarden is searching for her biological mother, who once lived in Saddlers Prairie. She and Clay met three years ago, when she interviewed him for a magazine article.

      I don’t want to spoil the story, so I’ll just say that they didn’t exactly part on good terms. Not an auspicious beginning for the hero and heroine of a romance novel, you may be thinking.

      Which makes this story all the more interesting.

      Happy reading!

      Ann

      P.S. I always appreciate hearing from readers. Email me at [email protected], or write me c/o P.O. Box 25003, Seattle, WA 98165-1903, or visit my Facebook page. And please visit my website at www.annroth.net, where you can enter the monthly drawing to win a free book! You’ll also find my latest writing news, tips for aspiring writers and a delicious new recipe every month.

      The Rancher She Loved

      Ann Roth

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Ann Roth lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband. After earning an MBA she worked as a banker and corporate trainer. She gave up the corporate life to write, and if they awarded PhDs in writing happily-ever-after stories, she’d surely have one.

      Ann loves to hear from readers. You can write her at P.O. Box 25003, Seattle, WA 98165-1903 or email her at [email protected].

      MRS. YANCY’S

      DOUBLE CHOCOLATE DROP COOKIES

      (with special thanks to Country Fair Cookbook)

      Makes 2 to 4 dozen, depending on cookie size

      6 oz (approximately 1 cup) semisweet chocolate pieces

      ½ cup softened butter

      ½ cup sugar

      1 egg

      1 cup flour

      ½ tsp baking soda

      ½ tsp salt

      ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

      6 oz (approximately 1 cup) semisweet chocolate pieces

      Preheat oven to 350ºF. Microwave 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips until melted; set aside to cool.

      Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; beat well. Gradually add melted chocolate, beating well.

      Mix together flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in nuts and remaining chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheets about 2 inches apart. (Mrs. Yancy prefers to use Silpat or parchment paper instead of greasing the cookie sheets.)

      Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until done. Remove from baking sheets and cool on racks.

      Contents

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Chapter Sixteen

       Chapter Seventeen

       Chapter Eighteen

       Epilogue

       Excerpt

      Chapter One

      Sarah Tigarden drove down the deserted highway in the small ranching town of Saddlers Prairie, Montana, asking herself the question that would remain forever unanswered. Why hadn’t her parents told her she was adopted?

      Anger that had been with her since she’d discovered the truth welled,