COMING SOON
image of a couple in silhouette with a sunset behind, and the words Cover Coming Soon in white
Editions:ePub: $ 4.99
Pages: 242
Audiobook: $ 24.95
ISBN: 9781426897351
Pages: 242

A legacy threatened, a love reignited

After his father’s unexpected death, Ben Grady discovers a threat to his family’s beloved Bull’s Hollow ranch. Protecting the Grady family’s legacy means relying on the legal prowess of the beautiful and brilliant Allie O’Keefe. But he and Allie have history not easy to overlook. Since their steamy time together fifteen years ago, he hasn’t been able to get her out of his head.

Driven from Bull’s Hollow Ranch by Ben’s grandfather, Allie thought she’d long ago buried her feelings for Ben. As hard as she tries to keep things strictly business, his seductive charms prove to be a temptation she can’t resist.

Allie plans to finish the investigation and leave Bull’s Hollow forever. However, as she spends time with Ben, she quickly realizes he owns her heart. Can they find happiness in a second chance together? Or will pain from the past be too much to overcome?

Excerpt:

Copyright © 2013 by Leah Braemel

If someone had told Allie O’Keefe fifteen years ago that she’d set even one toe on Bull’s Hollow Ranch again, she’d have cussed them out. After she’d decked them. Which explained why Allie jammed her foot on the brake when she reached the ranch’s wrought-iron gate. Or maybe she stopped because of the man talking to a group of ranch hands in front of the ranch’s trailer office. It wasn’t just his weathered brown Stetson that stood out from the standard baseball caps the others wore. After a casual glance in her direction, he resumed talking.

Even from this far away she could tell who he was—Ben Grady, the first man she’d ever loved. Just as he had back in high school, he still managed to set butterflies fluttering in her stomach, although right now they felt more like boulders tumbling in a spin dryer.

READ MORE

Ben Grady was the quintessential cowboy, from the way he stood with his thumbs hooked through a belt loop, leaving his fingers to drum on the worn leather of his chaps, right down to his dust-covered boots. He could step back in the 1800s and live in the Wild West with no problems. The only thing missing was the six-shooter at his hip.

He hasn’t seen you yet. You could still turn around. Plead with her boss once again to have someone else assigned to the case. Although all her previous attempts had earned her was a “suck it up, buttercup” comment from her boss.

Two of his men strutted over to ATVs parked neatly in a row by the bar while the other took the reins of the bay horse. Finally freed of whatever responsibility had been keeping his attention, Ben faced her.

One look at that straight nose and angular jaw and bam, her body softened.

Not good, not good, not good, she repeated. You’re not eighteen years old anymore. And you didn’t do anything wrong.

Right. She could do this.

Taking a shaky breath, she parked her car beside the mud-crusted white pickup, its dual rear wheels dwarfing her small sedan. Tucking her case beneath her arm, she picked her way across the gravel-strewn yard. She really shouldn’t have worn her heels today, but her pride wanted to show off that she’d traded in her work boots for kick-ass stilettos that stopped traffic. Her not-so-subtle see what you missed out on statement. Which would be lost if she twisted her ankle.

His gaze locked on her, Ben leaned against the stair railing in his oh-so-casual way. When they’d dated, she’d loved how he’d stop to watch her approach. Now she felt like a gazelle being stalked by a lion. No, not such a proud animal. The Gradys were scavengers. Vultures, ready to pick the flesh from the bones of anyone who got in their way.

He’d filled out from the rangy teenager she’d known. He’d always been strong, but his muscles were more defined, the light cotton shirt tight across his chest and wide shoulders. His biceps bulged as he gripped the stair railing, hinting at the strength to lift and haul both hay bales and stray calves.

Ben tipped his hat up with one finger and shot her a lazy grin that melted her a little inside. His gaze swept down her body, blazing a path even hotter than the sun, then returned to meet hers. The lines at the corners of his sky-blue eyes gave him a distinguished air.

“You’re early. I wasn’t expecting you for another half hour.”

His voice still had the low roughness that had driven her crazy, especially when they were lying skin-to-skin. Damn it, she’d gotten over him, so why was the ache in her chest back? She took a deep breath but the anguish didn’t ease.

Clutching her case tight under her arm, she stopped in front of him and shielded her eyes from the morning sun. “Hello, Ben.”

His eyes widened in shock. “Allie? What are you doing here?”

Her breath rushed out at the realization he hadn’t recognized her. If there’d been even a hint of friendliness to his voice, she might not have snapped, “I’m here to save your ass.”

COLLAPSE
Reviews:Lea Franczak on USA Today wrote:

Slow Ride Home kept me enthralled. I became completely invested in Ben and Allie's story...

Slick Reads on Simply Love Books, formerly Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews wrote:

“Slow Ride Home is one of those rare romance books that while you get romance and hot and oh so steamy sex, you get a complete story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.”

Terri on Night Owl Romance wrote:

5 Star-Top Pick Review  “The characters were absolutely perfect complete with imperfections and quirks…the romance couldn’t have been better…came together with passion and emotion.”

Lace on Blackraven's Reviews wrote:

Recommended Read – ” a plot twisting, heat sinker read…simply brilliant… I melted over the sweet hand holding just as much as I did those hot bedrooms/anywhere scenes…I want more”

E and MinnChica joint review on The Book Pushers wrote:

“Ben came across as the kind of stand up, loving and attentive hero that every woman loves!…super sweet, and incredibly sexy…I look forward to seeing this series continue” ~Joint review by E and MinnChica on The Book Pushers


More from reviewers of SLOW RIDE HOME:

“This series opener has it all.  From the hint of mystery to the almost erotic romance, this series is one to look out for.” ~ Becca, BS Book Reviewers 

“…delicious battle of emotions, past feelings and twists and turns…”  ~Emily, Afternoon Bookery Emily also did a video review that you can view here

“SLOW RIDE HOME is the perfect read to heat up a cold winter night.” ~The Book Girl

“…strong and interesting characters…I loved it. Leah’s attention to detail and her emotion filled tale give this a 4 and a half moon rating from me.” ~ Kim Rocha, Book Obsessed Chicks

Slow Ride Home