Rough Creek

April 20, 2020
Known for writing historical romance, Warner kicks off her first contemporary series with this delightful western about an ex-con cowboy working to get his life back on track. Dalton Cardwell served 18 months for a crime he didn’t commit. Upon his release, he returns home to Rough Creek, Tex., and discovers that his parents have sold the family ranch. Dalton seeks employment as a horse trainer at the nearby Whitcomb Four Star ranch. The Whitcomb matriarch, Coralee, agrees to give him a chance, much to the chagrin of her daughter, Raney. Though Raney is skeptical about hiring an ex-con, she’s reluctantly attracted to Dalton. And as Dalton proves to be an asset as a horse trainer and a playful presence around the ranch, Raney warms to him even more, and their mutual interest evolves first into friendship, then into love. Warner (Where the Horses Run) allows her flawed but endearing characters to drive the plot of this convincing, banter-filled romance. Readers will be eager to return to Rough Creek. Agent: Gail Fortune, The Talbot Fortune Agency.

June 1, 2020
Fresh out of prison for a crime he didn't commit, Dalton Cardwell is back in Rough Creek, Texas, looking for a new start. He seeks employment as a horse trainer at the Whitcomb Four Star Ranch. Raney Whitcomb runs the ranch and wants to expand on breeding prize-winning cutting horses, but she is less than thrilled when Mama hires an ex-con, no matter how capable, and attractive, he is. But as Dalton wins over her family and proves his worth, Raney can't help but be drawn to him. Big changes are happening around her, and Raney needs someone to depend on; maybe Dalton is the answer. The romance between the stoic hero and strong heroine drive the story, but it's the realistic Texas ranch setting that shines. Family values also play an important role. Readers looking for contemporary western romance will be glad historical-romance author Warner (Texas Tall, 2016) made the leap to the present with this start to her Brides of Rough Creek Texas series, which will leave readers looking forward to more time with the Whitcombs.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)